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 …
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 …
Continue reading “Sharing a Toothbrush: A glimpse into hidden hardship”
The children were huddled together under towels, trying to keep warm in a bitterly cold flat. Andrea*, a single mum with three primary school aged children, unexpectedly lost her job. They were forced to leave the family home and move into emergency accommodation in Surrey. For three months they lived together in a small hotel …
When Aisha* and her 6-month-old baby were first referred to Stripey Stork, their situation was desperate. Baby had no safe space to sleep and was co-sleeping with mum. They had just two nappies left. Money for food was limited – mum could barely afford to feed herself, let alone begin weaning. Baby clothes were too …
Every year, Santa Stork brings a little magic to local families in hardship during the festive season. Run by Stripey Stork, this special Christmas campaign provides brand-new gifts for children and parents who might otherwise go without. These gifts make sure every child referred has something to open on Christmas morning – so that every …
Continue reading “Santa Stork – Spreading joy when it’s needed most”
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 …
Two years ago, Volodymyr and his family arrived in Reigate from the Ukraine with very little, seeking safety and a fresh start. When they first reached the UK, everything was unfamiliar and the smallest comforts mattered more than most of us can imagine. Through the support of their local sponsor, Volodymyr and his family were …
Continue reading “Volodymyr’s Journey of Gratitude and Giving Back”
At Stripey Stork, we often witness how small gestures can make a huge impact. We believe that every child deserves the same start, and your support helps children to access opportunities they might otherwise not be able to. Recently, a request came through that perfectly illustrates this – a request that has left us all …
Continue reading “From Football Boots to a Bright Future: An Inspiring Story”
When you’re a parent, every milestone your child reaches should be a moment of joy. But imagine if, with each ‘first – first step, first taste of solid food, first time rolling over – came a wave of anxiety about how you’d be able to afford the next stage in their development. This was the …
Continue reading “Safer Sleep: Cherishing important milestones without worry”
Christmas is a time of joy and togetherness, but for some families, it can also be a season of worry. After losing his wife, this devoted father found himself navigating the challenges of single parenthood while working tirelessly to provide for his family. Every day was a balancing act between long hours at work and …
Continue reading “A Father’s Story of Love, Loss, and Gratitude”
