From shared sofa to big girl bed

Neve* is a two-year-old girl who attends nursery in Croydon, where the nursery provides specialist support for children with complex needs. Neve is non-mobile and has recently been diagnosed with epilepsy.

It’s been a turbulent year for the family. Mum, young and single, was moved into temporary accommodation – a converted office block – far away from her home borough and everything familiar. Isolated and vulnerable, even the daily journey to nursery required two buses and felt overwhelming.

Although Neve has begun to thrive at her new nursery, their sleeping arrangements were causing problems. The property came with a double bed, but Mum feared it was too high and risky, particularly with Neve’s epilepsy. Worried she might fall or fit during the night, they resorted to co-sleeping on the sofa. The lounge also doubled as a kitchenette, surrounded by appliances, making it an unsafe and uncomfortable place to sleep.

Their Family Support Worker at nursery, noticed Neve was increasingly tired during the day and struggling to concentrate. Sessions crucial for Neve’s development were being missed or attended late.

At the time, finances were at breaking point. Mum, already in debt, had only just resolved her gas and electric being cut off. Buying a bed, mattress and bedding felt impossible – and would have pushed them further into crisis.

A referral was made to Stripey Stork, and we were able to provide a toddler bed, new mattress and age-appropriate bedding.

The impact was immediate. Both are now sleeping safely and peacefully in their own beds. Neve’s attendance has improved, and she’s noticeably happier and more alert. She finally has the bedtime routine she desperately needed.

Their Family Support Worker told us:

“This donation has provided a basic item that most people take for granted, and as such has made life that much easier for them. The level of trust that has been achieved, and knowing that there is help out there, has really strengthened their relationship with the nursery.”

Mum is “over the moon” with their new setup, and Neve loves her “big girl bed”. With proper sleep, life feels more manageable, and Mum no longer feels she’s facing life alone.

The family now has a stronger network of support in place, and Stripey Stork is proud to be part of that. We’ve since prepared a big bundle of clothes for Neve and will continue to help as the seasons change and she grows. We’ll be there for them, however long they need us.

* Name changed to protect privacy.