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Nearly a million children in the UK are living without a bed and are having to share with family members or sleep on the floor, as years of austerity cuts and the cost of living crisis dramatically increase bed poverty figures.
A recent study conducted by child advocacy group Barnardo’s revealed that approximately 894,000 children, which accounts for 11% of all children, do not have access to a suitable bed. This lack of adequate sleeping arrangements has a negative impact on their education and mental health.
A charity in Leeds is aiming to permanently eliminate bed poverty by teaming up with The Independent for their Christmas fundraiser. Their goal is to supply 500 beds to the most at-risk children in our society.
In 2017, Zarach was established by deputy headteacher Bex Wilson after noticing a 11-year-old boy who had difficulty focusing in class. It was later discovered that he and his two siblings were sharing a sofa cushion infested with bed bugs as their bed, with limited assistance or resources to provide them with proper bedding.
Since its inception, the organization has supplied 7,019 beds to underprivileged children and has collaborated with more than 500 elementary and high schools to obtain family referrals for the children in need.
Zarach provides duvets, toys, and toiletries.
In the past year, the organization has seen a significant increase in requests for assistance as they extend their services to Bradford, Huddersfield, and Liverpool. They have provided nearly 3,500 beds with the support of 100 dedicated volunteers.
In an interview with The Independent, Andy Peers, the CEO, stated that their goal is to eradicate child bed poverty in England. This goal is driven by their desire to provide children with the chance to participate in school. It is widely acknowledged that education is a powerful tool in breaking the cycle of poverty for future generations.
According to a survey conducted by YouGov, 20% of kids who do not have a bed reported feeling fatigued at school, and 13% faced difficulties during physical activities. Additionally, one in 12 parents stated that their children are constantly tired because they do not have their own bed to sleep in.
In autumn, Barnardo’s conducted a survey of 1,049 parents and 1,013 children between the ages of eight and 17.
Additionally, the study discovered that over 187,000 households were unable to switch out their children’s bedding within the past year due to the expense of washing and drying. Furthermore, 336,000 families could not afford to replace or fix damaged beds.
Zarach not only delivers beds, but also offers support to families by supplying pajamas, duvets, pillows, toiletries, and chocolates. This is in response to the latest data indicating that 29% of children, or over a quarter, are living in poverty relative to others, with a rise of 350,000 recorded between 2021 and 2022.
The charity has developed strong connections with schools and teachers in the north-west of England to help identify families who are facing difficulties with obtaining bedding while living in isolation.
After receiving a referral from a school, family liaison workers at Zarach will communicate with the parents via phone call and schedule a visit to assess the property and take measurements for a bed to be delivered.
The charity delivers a bed for a child.
“We focus on regions where, unfortunately, the rate of child poverty exceeds 30 percent,” stated Mr. Peers. “We believe that by targeting areas with a significant population, we can make a positive impact.”
By examining the rates of child poverty and child population, and building on the efforts of other organizations, we are able to approximate the number of children who may be experiencing poverty.
The charity has aided a family with 10 children, and has adjusted to the issue of limited space in public housing by utilizing bunk beds and dividing foundations.
After a family receives their bed, Zarach stays in touch with the schools to get updates on their progress. As a result of this intervention, 76 percent of children have shown improvement.
According to Mr. Peers, the initial step is to educate frontline workers on the indicators of bed poverty. Instead of immediately considering ADHD, they should first inquire about the child’s sleep quality if they notice any difficulties or disruptive behavior. This can lead to a broader discussion.
Thanks to the generosity of local sponsors, each of Zarach’s bed bundles is priced at £180. This also includes a £30 voucher for a Christmas meal at the supermarket for the family.
“Our goal for the upcoming three years is to distribute 1,000 beds per week to areas with the highest demand, while also offering comprehensive support services. Simply providing a bed is not enough to eliminate bed poverty,” stated Mr Peers.
We have a clear goal to put an end to this issue. As a charitable organization, our ultimate aim is to no longer be necessary in the future.
Geordie Greig, editor-in-chief of The Independent, said: “The Independent is proud to support Zarach’s campaign. It’s shocking that so many children do not have a bed to call their own, and it’s important to come together to help put that right.”
According to Lynn Perry, the CEO of Barnardo’s, bed poverty is only one element of child poverty. However, it highlights the struggles that families face when they do not have enough money to provide the necessary essentials for their children’s well-being and happiness.
Families experiencing difficult situations must prioritize basic needs like food, warmth, and electricity over tasks such as replacing moldy bedding or repairing a damaged or broken bed. This has resulted in children having to share beds or sleep on the floor, negatively impacting their growth, school attendance, and emotional well-being.
“We are happy that The Independent is bringing attention to this problem and working towards addressing it before Christmas, which can be a challenging time for some.”
Source: independent.co.uk
