It’s embarrassing have to ask for help. That word, poverty – there’s so much stigma around it. I work full-time as a care worker but quite often come the end of the month, there’s just not enough money left to pay for things.
When I first talked with a support worker at my wee one’s nursery, she told me about their big freezer – it was available to any families to go and help themselves to what they needed. It made such a difference. They’ve helped me with top-ups for my gas meter too.
Then in October, they paid for us to go on a four night caravan holiday in Argyll. It was amazing. We live hand-to-mouth and could never have afforded to do that. It was the first time the kids had been on a holiday and it was so good to spend such quality time together with no stress about work or school.
Eva, who is eight, liked the crafts and the climbing wall the best. My son Fergus, who is two and has autism and developmental delay, was the happiest I’d ever seen him – maybe he just picked up on how relaxed we were?
This Christmas it’s been such a relief to know that we’ll receive food and toys for the kids. Without that extra support, it would be so stressful. You want to make sure your kids have toys and their dinner.
Sarah’s story is real but we’ve changed names and pictures to protect their anonymity. They’ve been supported by Children in Poverty Inverclyde, a project funded by donations to the STV Children’s Appeal.
Get involved this Christmas and help families like Sarah’s and children like Eva and Fergus.
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