A fresh start for a family in need

Background: A struggle for stability 

At Time for Bed, we believe that every child deserves a safe and comfortable place to sleep. Unfortunately, for one family we recently supported, this was far from reality. 

A single mother caring for three children, aged six to 13, was facing extreme financial difficulties. All of her children have additional needs, and the household was already under significant strain. A change in benefit payments left her struggling to make ends meet, and the family was also receiving support from a Social Care Team due to the difficulties they faced. 

One of the significant challenges was the children’s sleeping situation. With no access to suitable beds, all three children were forced to share a single bed. This not only affected their sleep quality but also impacted their ability to concentrate in school, leading to poor attendance and difficulties with learning. 

How Time for Bed helped 

Time for Bed was made aware of the family’s situation through a referral from the primary school attended by two of the children. Understanding the urgency of the situation, we acted quickly to provide immediate support. 

Within a week of receiving the referral, we delivered and assembled three brand-new single bed bundles, complete with comfortable mattresses, warm bedding, and pillows. The children finally had their own individual spaces to rest, something many of us take for granted. 

The positive impact 

The difference was immediate. The children now have a comfortable and supportive place to sleep each night, which has led to significant improvements in their daily lives: 

• Better sleep, better learning – With their own beds, the children are getting the rest they need, improving their ability to focus in school. 
• Improved school attendance – Their punctuality has greatly improved, and attendance is steadily getting better. 

• Happier home life – The children are delighted to have their own personal sleeping spaces, contributing to a more positive and settled home environment. 

Their mother was deeply grateful, telling us: 

“The beds are lovely, and the children are so happy to have their own bed to sleep in.” 

Help us create a brighter future 

This family’s story is just one example of how something as simple as a bed can make a world of difference. At Time for Bed, we continue to work towards our mission of ensuring no child has to sleep without a proper bed.  

Here is how you can get involved: 

 Information for schools – referring a family for support 

If you represent a primary or secondary school, you can apply for your institution to become a Time for Bed referral partner, allowing you to refer families for support. For more information on becoming a referral partner visit our referrals guidance page, where you can find all you need to start the registration process.