500 together

One of our members asked if we could provide urgent support for a grandmother they are supporting, who has recently taken on the full-time care of her two grandchildren following their emergency removal from their mother’s care due to safeguarding concerns. Our member explained how this arrangement has enabled the children to remain within their family network during a highly distressing time, providing them with continuity, stability, and emotional reassurance. The grandmother herself is disabled and resides in a one-bedroom bungalow. Due to the sudden nature of the placement, she has had to make significant adaptations within her home to accommodate the children. Most notably, she has converted her living room into a bedroom to provide them with a safe and appropriate sleeping space. This has required the urgent purchase of beds and bedding, creating a considerable financial burden. In addition, she is now faced with the cost of removing and disposing of her settee to make adeq...

One of our members told us about B, who has an extensive history of childhood trauma which has flowed into their adult life. They are currently working with mental health services, adult social care & receiving support for alcohol and drug addiction. They have taken a keen interest in boxing and have found some sessions to attend, which they and their support worker feel will be really beneficial in helping recovery and improving their mental health in the long term. We were asked to give £240, which allowed the support worker to help B get the necessary equipment for them to participate in the boxing & gym sessions.

One of our members asked if we could help a young woman, who after a truly dreadful time, has now been offered a flat from the council. It is a familiar situation of an empty house - no carpets, curtains, no furniture or white goods. It is hard to imagine, after so much trauma and suffering, how hard it must be to be faced with a bare and empty house, once your application for housing is finally successful. Our member and others supporting her have helped where they can, but we were pleased to be able to send £500 to allow her to get a few more essentials.  It sounds like she has been incredibly resourceful and has managed to get a second hand washing machine, some curtains and a mattress for a bed she was given. With the remainder she is getting some carpets for the lounge and hopefully the bedroom too.  We send her our very best wishes, knowing how tough things are for her and hope things start to improve as she settles into her new home. Thank you for your continued generosity, whic...