Hi Guys, sounds frustratingly similar to what's happened down here in Somerset
My suggestion would be to find out the contact details of some leagues in your area and offer your services. Despite what it says on the county websites, it seems it's up to you to get some games. I did my course in July, have just today done my fourth game - got the first two through a contact on this site, another by emailing a ladies team and offering my services (as a ref!), today's was because one of the course tutors is also ref sec. for a few leagues.
With respect to the safeguarding course, I think you only need to have done that to do U16 and below football - you can do open age without it.
I know a number of us from my course have got frustrated with no games since the course; use any contacts you have/can find, take the initiative and try and get yourself some games instead of waiting for your FA to do it for you.