Poverty hitting pupils learning

Thank you to Alex Gemmell in Leicester who has taken on our Climb Mount Everest Challenge to raise funds for us during the Covid-19 crisis.  By day 13 of the Challenge Alex has completed 558 flights of stairs - that's 26,226 steps and nearly half way to the summit.  See photos of Alex in action…

Thank you so much to everyone who has lent their support, either directly to Charity Link, including via our ‘Meeting the Need campaign (www.justgiving.com/campaign/charitylink) or via the new There With You Fund launched by LeicestershireLive. You can read about some of the clients who we’ve already been able to help during the crisis here.  This…

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 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 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.

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 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, 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.

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 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.