Stripey Stork Signs the End Poverty Pledge 

At Stripey Stork we see the reality of poverty every day through the referrals we receive. Families across Surrey are struggling to meet their children’s most basic needs, and we believe that no child should have to start life at a disadvantage because of financial hardship. That’s why we’re proud to sign the End Poverty Pledge, committing to play our part in working towards a Surrey that is poverty-free. 

We already embed many of the pledge’s principles in our work: 

• Leadership: our Head of Service was a participant in the Poverty Truth Commission, bringing first-hand insight into how poverty affects families and how services can be improved. We have also ensured that our entire staff team has undertaken Poverty Awareness training with Good Company, helping us better understand the challenges people face and how to respond with dignity and respect. You can read more about the PTC and access their final report here: Poverty Truth Commission – Good Company 

• Culture: we have established a Lived Experience Action Group (LEAG) to ensure that families with direct experience of the issues behind our referrals have a say in shaping our services. In addition, our Advisory Panel includes members with lived experience, ensuring that the voices of those who know poverty best are always part of our decision-making. 

• Accountability: we are constantly reviewing and adapting our support based on the needs of families, working closely with our referral partners to ensure our services remain relevant and has impact. 

• Advocacy: we are sharing best practice and insights with the wider sector / partners in the region more to foster greater understanding of the realities of families living in poverty. 

Alongside this, we take practical steps to support our local economy and reduce financial pressures on small businesses, including: 

✅ Using local small businesses whenever we need to commission paid work, ensuring we support our community. 

✅ Paying invoices promptly, recognising the importance of cash flow for small suppliers. 

✅ Never asking micro businesses to donate raffle prizes or items for families, as we understand that they, too, may be facing financial challenges. 

✅ Using our platform to promote small local businesses we like working with and recommending them whenever we can. 

By signing this pledge, we reaffirm our commitment to listening, learning and acting – because tackling poverty requires a collective effort. We encourage other local organisations to join us in taking meaningful action to build a county of Surrey where no child’s future is limited by financial hardship. 

Together, we can make a difference. 

Karen Lord (Chair of Trustees) on behalf of all the Stripey Stork trustees 

May 2025