2022 Update

So far in 2022, Forget-Me-Notts has helped 276 children by providing 138 beds and many other essential items that the families could not otherwise afford.

Many of these families are in heart-breaking situations and are desperately in need of help from their community. The cost of living crisis is putting a huge financial strain on families that were already struggling due to health issues, low income, unsafe environments as well as the problems caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Here are just a few of the family’s situations we have supported over the last couple of months:

A family was evicted from a previous property due to rent arrears and home conditions. This was impacted by a relationship breakdown, domestic abuse and the impact on mum's mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The family has been living in a one bedroom flat since Dec 2021 and has last week been granted a council property to move into - this is a brilliant fresh start for the family.

One family’s children’s mattresses were second hand and springs were sticking out making them uncomfortable and very thin. The children couldn’t sleep properly because of discomfort.

A single parent of 4 children, the youngest of whom is non-verbal and in nappies, awaiting paediatric assessment. There has been a history of long-term trauma to the mother of the children and domestic abuse. The mother has a lack of family support and poor mental health. Living with limited finances due to financial abuse from ex-partner and a lot of debt, the family has poor home conditions and no ability to change their circumstances.

Thankfully, we were able to supply these families with beds and other household essentials requested by social workers to create a safe and homely environment. We’re so grateful for all of our donors and supporters who enable us to help these families.

There are so many reasons as to why a family may need our help. The family situations in the referrals that we receive are heart-breaking, but we are grateful that with your support, we are able to provide some help to get the lives of these families back on the right track.

Whilst we can fulfil many referrals through the generosity of our supporters who donate pre-loved items, there is always more demand than donations. We are always looking for good-quality donations of single and double mattresses and bedframes but also a more long-term supply of sustainable and affordable bed frames and mattresses. If you know of anyone that would be able to help with this, please ask them to get in touch.