Yssy’s Story

In this first person account, Yssy tells her story of resilience, courage and the quiet strength it takes to ask for help when life feels overwhelming. From navigating early parenthood with very little income, to rebuilding life as a single parent, Yssy shows how the right support, at the right time, can change everything. In her own words, she shares what it meant to receive support from Stripey Stork and why asking for help can be such a powerful first step.

The first time I received help from Stripey Stork, I had a very young baby, and my partner was really unwell and unable to work. We were surviving on very little income, and had debt.

Initially, I received a cot, a mattress, a high chair, and baby clothes. As time went on, there were other things I needed, and was able to get. My daughter is now four years old, and whenever I’ve asked for help I’ve always been answered. I’ve also received help without having to ask for it in the form of Mother’s Day gift bags, for example.

Without this support, I would have suffered worrying, spending hours on Facebook marketplace or Gumtree, even looking on the streets, trying to find free things. And we would have gone without. I would have ended up co-sleeping with my daughter and partner, which I was worried would not be safe as he was on heavy medication at the time.

Later, when I had to start again as a single parent, finances were really tight. I would not have been able to get the things my daughter needed – like things to support potty training, clothes for nursery and then uniform for school.

Initially I found it very difficult to ask for help – I didn’t know you needed a referral and I’d never had to access any charity or help before. It was because I spoke to my health visitor that I found out that she could put in a referral for me. She was so sweet, and picked up all of the stuff and carried it up two flights of steps for me! Now I know more about Stripey Stork I know that I have no reason to be scared to ask for help and I’m more likely to actually ask for what I need and to not be afraid.

I was encouraged to access support when I was in the process of sorting out a lot of worries – credit card debt and life admin that had all built up and needed addressing. At first this felt like another thing, another duck I had to put in a row, but it felt good to be proven wrong in that – my demons said I’m going to get laughed at or demonised for asking for help, but I wasn’t, I was encouraged, and congratulated and so this actually helped me to keep opening my letters, sorting out my life admin and getting my ducks in a row.

I’ve also had the opportunity to help Stripey Stork by becoming a member of their Advisory Panel. I enjoy getting involved, whether that’s with a feedback meeting or speaking at the opening of their new warehouse last summer – it has helped me with confidence with public speaking, with meeting people – particularly people in positions of power. In those moments I’ve felt heard, validated, and like a worthy human.

Stripey Stork have such a good understanding of families’ situations, how hardship and people’s needs are changeable – they know that sometimes that means moving in an emergency, sometimes that means asking for more than one clothing package, and sometimes that means asking for presents for Christmas.

If there’s anyone out there reading this and wondering, I need this support, the best advice I can give is, ask for help. There’s a lot of strength in vulnerability. When you start opening your post, emails and getting your life admin in order, and you find out about routes to support like this and realise they’re really quite straightforward, life gets a lot brighter, but its baby steps – you don’t live your life all at once, it’s moment by moment.

It might feel like you have absolutely nothing and have nowhere else to go or no way of helping your family, and then Stripey Stork can turn around and say here, here’s a brand new cot, or there’s a toilet training kit and a potty. They always try to go above and beyond, and try and catch you if you fall. They help you carry those heavy everyday paving slabs that you take every step with – the worries that are always with you when you’re in poverty – issues like buying new school shoes or spare uniform, like giving you toys that have new batteries in them ( ‘cause batteries are expensive!) You’re treated with such dignity and kindness. It helps you hold your chin up so you can look forward.

If Yssy’s story resonates with you, please know that you’re not alone, and support is available. We works with professionals, who can make referrals quickly and simply, to provide essential items and practical help to parents and carers who need it. You can find out more about how to access support and how to get a referral by visiting the help page on our website.