On #UKClothingPoverty Awareness Day, we wanted to share a case study by our retail and support team about a family we’re currently helping with multiple needs.
“£365.00 per month for one room”
Over the past week we have been supporting a family of five – three children of 5(g), 13(g) and 9(b) – who are currently paying £365.00 a month for one room for them all to live in.
We understand that the mother has breast cancer and is struggling with the language barrier. Even with this health condition, she is doing shift work in a warehouse to support her family.
“She only had the clothes she was wearing”
The mother has struggled accessing services for her children due to their lack of English, such as registering with a GP, getting the kids into a school and securing a social worker.
The first time they visited Mustard Tree, they were with us all day – explaining they had no access to clothing and other items. We managed to source clothing for the boy, but the girl only had the clothes she was wearing. In the afternoon we realised that they hadn’t eaten all day, as the mother asked if the kids could have some breakfast. They all ate together in our support area on the ground floor.
“They came back in wearing the clothes we gifted them”
Thanks to a quick call to action by our supporters, we were able to further support the family with clothing, kid’s toys and toiletries such as sanitary pads (the older girl started her period during her first visit to us and had no access to any previously).
We have now registered the family so they can access our Food Club, further clothing and toiletries, as well as signposting into other services and charities for additional support.
“The kids were so well-behaved”
Lindsey – Mustard Tree Retail Manager – remarked on the maturity of the children, how they were just happy to help and interact with our team.
“The little boy was over the moon to get a rucksack from us. He said he wanted to help his Mum and used it to put their Food Club items in”.