How can I stop the Council from evicting me?

I am renting a flat from the council. I became deep in rent arrears because I had no money left. I am now claiming Housing Benefit and Council Tax benefit but it still does not cover all what I have to pay. What can I do? I don't want to sleep on the street but more important I have lots of family photos and things going back to Victorian times that are important to other relatives as well as me but are not worth a lot to anyone else and I would want them stored until I came on my feet. I have been unable to find any work as my trade is now obsolete. I cannot walk very well because I am suffering with sciatica.