BBC Radio Leicester Child Poverty Programmes from Sunday 13th to Friday 18th November

Jo Bostock programmes documents the shocking levels of child poverty in the Leiceser West constituency.

Sunday 13^th November:

Breakfast between 7-9am

Case Study 1 – Steve

Monday 14^th November:

Breakfast between 7-9 am

Case Study 2 – Kelly

Tuesday 15^th November:

Breakfast between 7- 9 am

2 x pieces: contributors Cath Pritchard, Penny McParland, Heather Baker, Sue Richardson and Mums and Kids at Big Cook Little Cook.

Wednesday 16^th November:

Breakfast between 7- 9 am

2 x pieces: contributors Caroline Evans, children and parents at Parks Primary breakfast club, Jenny Day, children at Beaumont Leys School

Thursday 17^th November:

Breakfast between 7-9am

Contributors: John Willets Fare Share, various groups using Fare Share, Ros Birch, Sue McEniff, Krista Blair

Friday 18^th November:

Breakfast between 7-9 am

Contributors: Anne Glover, Liz Kendall, Mums at Sure Start group, Rory Palmer

Mid Morning: 10 -10.30 am – DOCUMENTARY

All possible contributors, yet to be edited.

If you miss the pieces you can listen again on our website www.bbc.co.uk/leicester

Success stories

Robin was trying to start again
Robin had been through a difficult time and had just been discharged from a Mental Health Unit. He had just moved into his new home. Robin had lost all his belongings, was vulnerable and desperately trying to cope. We helped immediately and bought a bed and cooker so Robin can start rebuilding his life.
Sarah was struggling with Multiple Sclerosis
Sarah was diagnosed with MS, she was a single mum and now unable to work. Her home had been adapted to create a bedroom and bathroom downstairs. The rooms were unfurnished and Sarah couldn’t afford the items. We helped and bought Sarah a new bed and carpets. This has meant the world to her.
Molly and her mum were forced to sleep on the settee
Molly and her mum were in desperate need. Their home was infested with mice, damp and mould. The mould had spread to their beds forcing them to sleep on the settee each night. Molly’s mum has no means to buy new beds. So we bought two beds, just £240 made a difference.
Lily just wanted to stay in her own home
At 94 Lily’s health had deteriorated, she could no longer manage the stairs at home, was sleeping downstairs and used a commode. To stay at home she needed a stair lift, but Lily survived on a state pension. We helped immediately and purchased a stair lift so Lily can stay at home independently.
David and his daughters just wanted to start again
David gained custody of his children when their mother neglected them. He found a home but it was unfurnished. David had recently lost his job and he simply couldn’t afford the items needed. We helped immediately and provided the family with beds, a cooker, clothing and household goods. The family can now be together.
Reema was alone
Reema, 17, left home due to abuse. Now living at a hostel she continued with school, but only had thin summer clothes, no coat and worn sandals during winter. Saving up to buy new things meant going without food. We helped immediately to provide new clothes and supported Reema through The Alderman Newton’s Educational Foundation.
Every night Stacey had to sleep on the floor
Margaret has been looking after Stacey, her grandaughter, since Stacey's mum died after giving birth. Margaret is disabled and the family survive on disability and child benefits. Stacey's bed was broken so she was sleeping on the floor. Margaret couldn't afford to buy a new one. So we did, just £165 made a difference.
David was homeless
David was homeless sleeping in a church crypt during winter, he had no income and had not eaten for 3 days. We acted immediately and gave David food vouchers. We provided a bond on a rented property, funds for a suit and arranged for work experience. Just £210 got David off the street and back into work.
Rina and Zach were scared
Rina and Zach managed to escape domestic violence. Rina had been unable to go to work because of her injuries and was trying to survive on statutory sick pay. They had found a safe place but had no furniture, beds, cooker or any household goods. We acted immediately and purchased the items that they desperately needed.
Shelley's Story
Shelley lives with cerebral palsy and although severely disabled she lives independently. Her deteriorating health meant that she urgently needed a specialist eye-controlled communication computer and specialist wheelchair. Neither of these items could be provided by the NHS. We raised over £20,000 to purchase the equipment Shelley needed.