Well, it’s been a busy two weeks – we have provided (or are in the process of providing) – 2 x birthday presents for siblings in poverty, who would otherwise have gone without presents; baby clothes, bouncer, toys, baby milk, nappies and a weekly foodshop for a mum and baby (baby under child protection); a weekly foodshop for a family in poverty (half term is always a difficult time for families in poverty); a £50 Primark voucher for clothing for a family in poverty; a cooker for a mum who has been through domestic violence; a weekly food shop for a family in poverty; a weekly foodshop for a family under a Homelessness Family Outreach Worker; a cooker, fridge freezer and storage units for a family who have left the refuge; bedding and microwave for a family who have been through domestic violence; duvets, bedding, essentials box and vouchers, gone to a family who have been through domestic violence; a double bed and 3 x single beds for a family who have left the refuge; a weekly foodshop for a family in the refuge; a double bed, single bed, pillows, quilts and household items for a family who have been through domestic violence; a kettle, sheets, microwave, bedding and toaster for a family who have been through domestic violence; a fridge, freezer, bedding, washing machine to a young mum in poverty; a fridge freezer, washing machine and mattress for a family who have been through domestic violence; and a voucher to a child with mental health issues who needed clothing for a special event

We funded a haircut for a teenager who was suffering anxiety, and who’s hair had got so matted, they were unable to brush it. Also living in poverty, this child is going through a very difficult time. We would like to say a massive thank you to Giovanna Kennedy from StylistiX Hair & Beauty Ltd who welcomed them to their salon, and professionally, sympathetically, and confidentially gave the child a new haircut.

This is the feedback we have received – “The haircut was brilliant and looks lovely and Jo was great. It has made a huge difference and have just seen *********** again today and it is now much easier to maintain and not getting tangled as it was. Not only has the haircut made them feel a bit better about themselves, but knowing that people have cared enough to take them, and to do the haircut I think it has also helped. *********** does not ever get anything and is a young person that asks for nothing. The only presents they got over Christmas were from Ashley’s birthday bank so again thank you for those.

Two new beds, cooker, washing machine, microwave and bedding – going to a parent moving out of the refuge with their children, setting up a new life for themselves

Silver cross pushchair, toys, books, blankets, clothes, warm coats and a new double bed – going to a family member who got custody of a child, and had nothing for them

Pushchair, two booster seats and stairgate – going to a family in poverty, waiting for their benefits to be processed

Birthday gifts going to a little girl who’s family are in poverty, and she would otherwise have gone without on her special day

We were asked to provide school shoes for a young child whose parent was unable to afford them.  This will make so much difference to the child.

This week we have provided a new mobile phone for a child in care; £100 Primark vouchers, toys and games for children who are being assessed for neglect, and had no clothing; a bed for a child who was made homeless and has been taken in by a friend; a pram, baby bath, nappies, clothes, blankets, moses basket & stand for a baby in the refuge; 2 x single beds with mattresses, a double mattress and a fridge freezer to a single parent moving out of the refuge and setting up a new home; a weekly food shop for a family in poverty, unable to feed their children; a wardrobe for a teenager who has been homeless; a cinema voucher for a child in need, so they can spend much needed quality time with a family member; and a weekly food shop for a young mum and children who’s utility bills had left her with no food for her children. We are also supporting another single parent who is moving out of the refuge next week. Thank you for your continued support.