This week, we’d like to help a family in Newham living in extreme poverty – mum, dad and 3 children (aged 2, 9 and 11). They were nominated by The Magpie Project, a charity that works with homeless families.
The family sought asylum in the UK from Kuwait, and while they are waiting for their claim to be assessed they are not able to work or claim benefits.
The father is deaf and finds it hard to communicate with government agencies, and so the mum is trying to do it all herself. She has found it really difficult to navigate the systems, and they became very isolated during lockdown. Thankfully, they found the Magpie Project who have been trying to help them get the support they need.
The accommodation they were placed in had broken beds, so they sleep on the floor. They managed to get a cot for their youngest child, but the rest of them have been on the floor for months. The boys feel embarrassed and don't want anyone to know.
As well as beds, there are so many other things that would make this time easier for them – toys, books, school uniforms, toiletries and bedding. We’d like to help.