I Didn't Have To Take Food Out My Children's Mouth - Abigail's Story

Moving to the UK from Nigeria has not been an easy journey for me. I came here in 2014 to study, but within my first year I became pregnant. That was the start of a long and difficult period of homelessness, health problems during pregnancy and not being able to work.

I am now a single mother of four children. Recently, I had to move from my old home to a new place. The move was quoted at £590, which was money I simply did not have. The support I receive is for feeding myself and my children, and at the same time I was worried about paying for new school uniforms because my children had to change schools. I felt under a lot of pressure. I knew that if I paid for the move, it would mean taking money away from food for my children.

After speaking with Vivian at Bonny Downs, I was connected with Rose at Money A+E. Rose was honest with me. She explained that because I had some money in my account, which I had saved for my children’s food, Money A+E could not provide a direct grant at that moment. But she did not leave it there. She kept looking for another way to help.

Rose contacted Hackney Baby Bank on my behalf. They came with a van full of high-quality items for my children, including warm jackets, shoes, toys and blankets. She also helped me complete a Universal Credit Housing Costs application to reduce some of the financial pressure connected to the property. Rose kept in touch, called to check on me and helped me send over my bank statements. She understood that I was tired and still recovering my strength after the move.

When the Baby Bank items arrived, I was so happy. It brought me so much joy and relief. My children had warm jackets for winter, and I did not have to sacrifice our food budget to provide them. The volunteers treated me with dignity and kindness, and that meant a lot.

“Moving is like one of the biggest stresses in life. Even when you have somewhere to move to, it’s still so stressful. But when those people called me to tell me that they were bringing stuff for me, I’m said, ‘Oh thank God.’ It was a big relief.”

The support helped me feel less alone, less stressed and more able to manage during a very difficult time. It reminded me that speaking up can make a difference.

I would tell other people in my situation, especially people who have come from abroad, not to let shame stop them from asking for help. In this country, I have realised that even if you are afraid people will laugh at you, you must say something. If you tell three people your problems, one person may have the solution.