We recently received a touching thank you note from a Mum whose family we’ve helped with clothes, bedding and school uniforms: It’s been a challenging year for the 5 of us and to get this help and support when we needed it more than ever was incredible – and it really restores your faith in …
Category Archives: Stories
Gifts for Eid – no teen left behind
In early June, we received a pressing email from Croydon Council asking for our help. It was from the team responsible for young and vulnerable children in care or living in temporary accommodation. The team were planning an Eid al-Fitr event for the first time and had no gifts for the older teenagers. The team …
Journey of hope – one family’s trauma after small boat crossing
Following the traumatic experience crossing the channel, their son had developed a fear of water so extreme he couldn’t even wash his hands. When we received a request for a pair of swimming shorts, little did we know that the story behind it would be one of such depth and courage. Six year old Hassan’s …
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A much-needed smile on her first Mother’s Day
“I’m really looking forward to seeing her smile, as she’s so low about her situation she doesn’t get to smile.” – Lisa, Social Worker Katie* hasn’t had much reason to smile lately. Despite embarking on the journey of motherhood, a path that should be filled with joy and anticipation, her world feels far too heavy. …
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The ‘ring’ of kindness
We love this story of kindness, connections, and a pinch of luck. A ring which had been in the family for generations, lost. A kind individual who reunited the treasured ring with its owner. A shared passion for Stripey Stork and the act of kindness which followed. Those of you who are based near our …
Fun in the sun – “The best day ever!”
Outdoor toys are something we don’t typically stock at Stripey Stork – many of our families don’t have their own outside space, and they are bulky for us to store – but we are always keen to help when there is a special request that will make a real impact. A family in our community …
Every child should have the same school life
“I don’t want my children to worry about how I will buy them the things they need for school. All children want to do is fit in with their peers and the thought that they may face bullying because I can’t afford what is essential for school life breaks my heart.” Mum We’ve been supporting a …
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Supporting family reunification
Sarah has a unique and special job. She works in a small team at Surrey County Council, which facilitates the safe return of children to their families. When the parent(s) are in a position to be able to welcome their children home, an intense support plan is put in place. Part of this plan is …
They love their new wardrobe
At Stripey Stork we always try to personalise our response to specific requests. We recently received a referral from Gaynor, a Safeguarding Midwife at Royal Surrey County Hospital, with a note that the eldest teenager in the family, who identifies as non-binary, desperately needed some new clothes. Our volunteers set to work sorting through the …
One Mum’s unthinkable choice
“Sometimes we find ourselves sitting in the car at 6pm, hungry and cold, waiting to hear where we’re being moved to. There’s no stability or routine for the children. At a time when they should be winding down for bed, we’re waiting on news of where that bed will be.” – Mandy* (Mum) Referral partners …
