Essential support for a four-child household

Background
This young family has faced significant challenges in recent years. Following a child protection order, the four children were temporarily placed into care. They are now living safely and happily with their dad, who has made remarkable progress after experiencing domestic abuse, mental health issues, and alcohol misuse in the past.

Several years ago, Dad was rehoused with the children and, with the support of the local community, was able to furnish the property. Today, the children are thriving in his care. They attend school regularly and on time, and are clearly settled and doing well. However, Dad is unable to work while caring for the four children, and without any extended family in the UK (having moved from Nigeria), the family relies on support from the school and wider community to get by.

In addition, two of the children suffer from severe eczema, which requires regular application of thick, oil-based creams. This creates extra laundry needs and has a real impact on bedding wear and tear. The children’s existing beds, which had originally been second-hand donations, were now completely worn out and unsuitable for continued use.

How Time for Bed Helped
Through the Time for Bed campaign, the family received four complete single bed bundles—one for each child. These included brand new beds, mattresses, pillows, and bedding.

This support removed a significant financial burden for Dad, who simply wouldn’t have been able to afford such essentials.

Outcomes
The impact was immediate and emotional. The children and their dad were overjoyed when the new beds arrived, and the relief and gratitude were felt by all involved.

“The delight on the children’s and Dad’s faces when they told me the beds had been delivered was wonderful. It was humbling to see such genuine appreciation for something that many of us take for granted.”
— Learning Mentor

“I can’t thank you enough. This is just fantastic, thank you.”
— Dad

“I’ve got an early Christmas present, I’ve got a new bed and covers!”
— Very excited 7-year-old

This is a beautiful example of how something as simple as a bed can offer not just comfort, but dignity, safety, and joy.

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.

Support Time for Bed 
There are many ways you can support Time for Bed and make a real difference to the lives of children in Merseyside. From making a donation, to fundraising, to becoming a corporate partner, your support will help us to ensure every child in Merseyside has their own bed. Find out more about ways you can support us via our support pages.