Life was difficult for vulnerable children and their families before the pandemic. Now things are even harder.
Boycott your Bed is back. On Friday 9 July, join forces with family, friends or colleagues to raise money by spending the night in the most unusual place you can think of.
Will you camp out under the stars or under the stairs? Bunk down in the bathroom or the back garden? Where will you sleep to challenge yourself? Before you settle in for the night, join us for an evening of virtual entertainment packed with famous faces, bringing people together across the UK.
For most of us, happier times are ahead. Doing the things we love again. Maybe even getting away from it all. But for children and families already in desperate need, this crisis has made things even worse. For them, there's no end in sight.
Wherever you sleep, you'll raise money that will help children dream of a safe and happy future. Because no child should go to bed hungry. And no child should lie awake feeling frightened about how their family is going to cope.
Poverty has a devastating impact on children - its effects can last a lifetime. But with your help we can change things.
With your support, we can stop poverty and the pandemic from scarring a generation. Sign up to Boycott your Bed and you'll help children go to bed dreaming of a safe and happy future.
Single mum Katie had a turbulent childhood. Her mum passed away when she was just 15 and - when her dad couldn't cope - Katie was placed in foster care. She fell pregnant at 16 and moved into a mother and baby unit before getting her own accommodation with her son, Christopher.
After suffering abuse at the hands of an ex-partner, and struggling with her mental health, Katie was referred to Action for Children. Her support worker, Hannah, became a vital lifeline. She offered parenting advice and practical support, and made sure the family had the essentials.
Hannah is consistent, and I know she is always available on the end of the phone," says Katie. "I don't know what I would do without her. With Action for Children, I feel cared for and protected."
Although Katie has a job, money is tight, and when coronavirus hit, life got even harder. Just before Christmas, she found herself struggling to put food on the table. The pressure, on top of her anxiety, was almost unbearable.
Through Action for Children's Coronavirus Emergency Fund, Katie got a grant to pay for the basics, including a much-needed winter coat for Christopher.
It was perfect timing. I literally had nothing," Katie says. "I felt so bad that Christopher just had a thin coat and it was getting colder. With the money from the Fund, I was able to buy him a really warm coat. I also bought him some socks because he always needs them."
The Fund provided food vouchers, too, which made a huge difference to the family.
Before I was crying and always stressed. If I hadn't had the money then Christmas would have been ruined. It was a godsend."
Katie was also able to buy some paint and materials to decorate the home she shares with Christopher. This helped her create a positive, calming environment for them both through lockdown.
Working with Hannah has been brilliant. She is so consistent and advocates for me always."
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