L is a single parent with a six year old son who is renting a room with a shared bathroom and kitchen. Mum, who came to the UK to escape sexual violence, and is HIV positive, has no recourse to public funds. The rooms are damp and inadequately heated, which exacerbates her health problems, so having heating that she can control would greatly improve their wellbeing. The only saucepan in the kitchen is small and L would like to be able to bulk cook their meals for the week, as she is keen to improve their diet.

A, her mum and teenage sister were trafficked and A was a victim of modern slavery and sexual assault. She is receiving treatment for her trauma. The family are reliant on benefits at the moment and struggling to make ends meet with the high cost of housing. They currently have a very thin and unsuitable double mattress to sleep on and would really benefit from a better one in order to get a good night's sleep. Many thanks for your support.

This single mum attended our foodbank and spoke with our advisor. Mum and her eighteen month old son have just been allocated their first property. Currently managing on benefits, she hopes to soon get a job again. This lady has been very proactive in looking at different ways to afford things, but now she is living alone and is feeling the stress of the financial burden that comes with that. £200 would enable her to choose a sofa and cushions that suit their needs and makes it feel more like home.