When Louise*, a Mum of teenage twins, approached Oasis, she was in a state of desperation. She had not only been subject to domestic abuse in the past, but her eldest son had tragically died in an accident. Everything was understandably too much, and she was unable to cope. She felt very alone, without any family support. Her mental health deteriorated and unfortunately she lost her job, made worse because they were living in overcrowded accommodation. Caroline explained that Louise was very wary of seeking professional help because she hadn’t felt supported after her son’s death. She found the courage to approach Oasis because a friend recommended them from personal experience.

The twins needed the right school uniform and shoes. They had been increasingly missing school; refusing to go because they were worried they’d be picked on or called out for not having the right uniform. This anxiety is common for children their age and sadly can become a barrier to education. Mornings were often a battle to get the children to school and even when they had left the house, there was no guarantee they’d make it to school. Louise had no fight left in her and her self-esteem was at an all-time low.

Our van was ready for a scheduled delivery to the Elmbridge area, so we were able to provide all the uniform they needed, including spares to reduce the pressure of frequent washing. We learned that in the past they’d had difficulty finding school trousers that fit the son, so we supplied several sizes and styles for him to try on – just like going shopping. We also ordered the specific blouses for her daughter that the school requested, directly from the supplier for a timely delivery to Oasis.

Mum was overwhelmed with gratitude:

“You guys are incredible…like incredible! I can’t believe how much time, effort and thought has gone into helping us with school uniform. I genuinely don’t know how we would cope without your help. THANK YOU and thank you to everyone else who makes it happen.”

Thanks to Oasis and support from our School Days campaign, the cycle of anxiety around school attendance was broken, making mornings at home much calmer. While the family still face financial insecurities and have complex emotional needs, they continue to receive support from the Oasis team, and we continue to provide items when needed. It’s a step-by-step process, but we’re pleased to have helped them back on their pathway to school.

Caroline emphasised the importance of Oasis being able to offer this kind of tangible help:

“We provide various types of support, from emotional well-being courses to advocacy. However, when families come to us with complex challenges, being able to provide practical items quickly is crucial. It helps gain their trust and opens the door to deeper support.”

For another family who needed support, we were able to provide practical items for their newborn baby: a newborn baby pack, a pram, a cot and clothing. Mum was initially suspicious as she never dreamed this kind of support would be available. Her concerns quickly faded when she received the beautiful pram for her newborn, along with everything else needed for those all-important first few months. Mum burst into tears:

“Thank you for the help you have given me. I am so grateful knowing that people like you exist, helping others.”

We were delighted to hear that Mum has since felt confident enough to approach Oasis directly, having gained trust in this support network.

Our collaboration with Oasis continues to make a positive impact on families in the Elmbridge area and we thank them for passing on this encouraging feedback.

* Name changed to protect the privacy of the individual.

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I was supporting a family who were struggling with disability, ill health and debt. Mum felt burdened by her circumstances and resigned that life would always be difficult. A referral was made to Stripey Stork for all basic items which were promptly supplied along with some extra items for mum.

When I next visited I noticed that although the family had no storage that the clothing had been carefully folded and that several items had been washed and were hanging up to dry. Most importantly in a cold house the baby was warm and well-wrapped.

A year later and there has been a significant change in this family’s circumstances. Mum decided to leave the abusive relationship she was in, has started a part time job and is paying off her debts. Above all she smiles when I visit and her baby is happy and sociable. She lives in simple accommodation which she has made homely and her baby is meeting all developmental milestones.

It’s hard to say exactly what enabled this mum to turn her life round but I think the deliveries from Stripey Stork had a far bigger impact than just meeting a practical need.

“…for every family that Stripey Stork help there is an impact, even if it is just to ensure that the children are adequately clothed. I cannot tell you how humbling it is to be able to meet the needs of those for whom life has not been so fortunate. Stripey Stork are the most amazing charity who are making a real difference to people’s lives.”

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