Sharing a Toothbrush: A glimpse into hidden hardship

Sometimes, it’s a small detail that captures the reality of hardship more powerfully than any statistic. For this family, that detail was a toothbrush – just one, shared between two parents and their two young children. Something most of us replace without a second thought had become a shared necessity, highlighting just how severely this family was struggling to meet even the most basic standards of hygiene and dignity.

This situation was the result of the family having No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF), leaving them with very limited access to financial support. Living in Banstead with their two young sons aged two and a half and 18 months, the family also faced significant language barriers – with English as an additional language, navigating services and understanding professional roles was incredibly challenging,  and they often relied on translation apps to communicate. .

Alongside these difficulties, the family was dealing with some serious health concerns. The eldest child has craniosynostosis, a condition that affects the development of the bones in the skull, and had recently undergone major surgery. Mum also had some ongoing health issues linked to both pregnancies, which were further impacting her physical and emotional wellbeing.

Lori from the Early Support Service team at Surrey County Council, who was supporting the family, saw just how exhausted and overwhelmed they were when she first met them. Recognising the urgency of the situation, she reached out to Stripey Stork for a care package. The aim was simple but vital: to ensure each member of the family had their own toothbrush so they no longer had to share. Knowing the wide range of items we provide, Lori also requested clothing and toys for the children, which our volunteers were happy to pack up with care.

The impact was immediate, and moving. The children were so delighted to have their own toothbrushes that Mum had to hide them, so they didn’t constantly play with them – a small but powerful moment that showed how much these everyday items mattered. The toys were also a hit, with the children eagerly taking them out one by one and starting to play straight away. Although the family finds it difficult to engage fully with services due to language and confidence barriers, their gratitude was unmistakable, with big smiles all round.

Since receiving support, Lori is pleased to report that further positive progress has taken place. Mum’s trust in getting help has gradually grown, and she now engages more openly and confidently. She has taken the step of asking about dental care for the children, something that would have felt too challenging and complex just a few weeks ago.

For professionals like Lori, who work closely with families facing multiple challenges, having access to a service like Stripey Stork is invaluable. When statutory services are stretched and families are excluded from public funding, timely, practical and flexible support can make the difference between a situation worsening or beginning to stabilise.

Reflecting on the impact of this support, Lori shared:

The care packages you provide bring so much joy, comfort, and dignity to families who are facing incredibly difficult circumstances. From essential items to toys and clothing, your support makes a real and lasting difference. The smiles on children’s faces and the relief felt by parents speak volumes about the impact of your kindness. Your dedication truly changes lives.

This work is only possible because of the generosity of our supporters and funders. Every donated item, every hour volunteered and every pound given helps ensure families like this one don’t have to go without the basics and that children can experience moments of joy, comfort and normality, even during the hardest of times. If you would like to donate to Stripey Stork and help us to provide brand new toiletries to families like this one, you can make a financial donation. Thank you.