We have had some heartbreaking referrals this week – to hear that children are sleeping on concrete floors on “paper thin duvets”, in bare properties is bad enough – but when these families have already been through domestic violence makes it so much worse. Three desperate families this week have been supported with beds, bedding, fridges, cookers, washing machines, household items, clothing, vouchers to buy neccessities, cleaning equipment, toiletries, foodshops etc. One of the families had been given a foodbank voucher, but couldn’t even afford a can opener to open the tins she had been given. We continue to be humbled that we can support these families, and they are so very grateful. We hope Christmas is now an easier time for them, and they continue to try and improve their lives. We have to say a massive ongoing thank you to 4Com – your amazing donation last year (through the Isle of Wight Challenge), continues to support all these families, and they are literally in tears with gratitude. Kaos Beds and Southern Domestic Appliances continue to provide an amazing service, reacting quickly and sympathetically for our clients. We are holding off donations of items at the moment due to Christmas gifts, but a monetary donation would be fantastic. Every penny goes to the families. Details of how you can donate (even £1) is shown futher down our page. Thank you

6 Ashley Bears off to their new homes. Bringing comfort to children who have witnessed and been subject to domestic violence and abuse

Well it’s been an eventful few weeks (in more ways than one!); we have provided (or are in the process of providing); school uniform – due to mental health & poverty; baby toys for a little one who only had a rattle and one book; a new heater for a family in poverty who can’t afford the full heating on; a cot for a family in poverty; baby milk and nappies for a family in poverty; 8 x weekly food shops for families who are struggling due to benefit changes, domestic violence or poverty; a pushchair, clothes and toys – gone to a family who have fled domestic violence with a bag of clothes and toys between them; 2 x single mattresses and 2 x beds for children who were sleeping on old bedding on the floor; a moses basket, bedding, toys and clothes for a family in poverty; a toddler bed and mattress, clothes, bedding and toys for a family due to poverty; a travel cot for a family living in temporary accommodation; girls clothes for a family who have suffered domestic violence; Primark vouchers and clothing to a family who have suffered domestic violence and fled with no clothes; a bed, mattress, 3 x new wardrobes, and 3 x Ashley Bears for a family who have suffered domestic violence,. 6 more Ashley Bears for new families going to the Refuge; 6 Ashley Bears going to a Social Working Team for current children who have gone through domestic violence or abuse. The Christmas present referrals are coming in thick and fast too. Thank you to everyone for your continued support, especially following the recent court case with our former Founder. We appreciate each and every one of you.

Toddler bed and mattress, bedding, clothes and toys – going to a family in poverty who have just been housed and had very little for their children