A cot, a fresh start and a new beginning

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 small – she’d been wearing them since birth.
There was no buggy for going out, no toys to play with.

Their need was urgent.

Aisha, 19, came to the UK from Nigeria on a student visa. Halfway through her course, she discovered she was pregnant. Alone and without family support, she tried to build a new life, but things quickly became very difficult.

The unborn baby’s father wanted nothing to do with them. She later moved in with someone who promised to take care of her and the baby, but the relationship soon turned abusive. It came to a head after an altercation in which he became violent, forcefully throwing the baby onto the bed. Aisha reported him to police and he fled.

Left with no home, no support and no access to public funds or work, Aisha felt trapped. She was determined to make things better for her baby but didn’t know where to turn – until Croydon Children’s Services stepped in.

Brenda, her social worker, had used Stripey Stork many times before so knew we could help. She made an urgent referral for a cot bed with a new mattress, highchair, buggy, nappies, clothes, toys and books – everything they needed for their new beginning.

Brenda could barely fit it all in her car, but she was determined to deliver everything in one go. Aisha was overwhelmed with emotion when she saw everything, saying tearfully:

“Thank you so much. I honestly don’t know what I’d have done without all this support.”

When Brenda visited them again in their new, self-contained room, the difference was remarkable.

Baby was sleeping well in her own bed and had established a bedtime routine, making her more alert and content. She was eating well, playing with her new toys and smiling in clothes that finally fit. Mum was visibly more confident, calmer and settling well into motherhood. In turn, baby seemed more relaxed and less clingy.

Brenda told us that Aisha’s story isn’t unique. Since working in Croydon, she’s seen the scale of hardship firsthand:

“A significant number of Croydon families are struggling to buy the basics like nappies, so they leave longer between nappy changes. Parents focus on survival and forget that play is vital for children’s development – but they simply can’t afford toys.”

She added:

“Without Stripey Stork, I honestly don’t know how I’d have helped. The local authority can only offer a one-off £50 payment, which wouldn’t have come close to covering what this family needed. The alternative would have been me desperately asking for donations from friends and family.”

The family is now being supported by a long-term care team, who continue to access Stripey Stork’s services.

We wish Aisha and her baby all the best for the future – and we’ll be here for them, whenever they need us, thanks to your support.

* Name changed to protect privacy.