Nad is six and lives in a shared house with his mum and sister and three other families he doesn't know very well (accompanying image not Nad). It's normal for him to eat just two meals a day and he only has two outfits that fit him his school uniform and his jeans and jumper. He has a few toys and a couple of books, but no craft materials. Three months ago, Nad was told he couldn't go back to school. To make matters worse, he has to stay at home for most of the day and he can't visit friends. For Nad, school was his life-line. It provided him with space to run around, stimulating resources to play and learn with and crucially, a free school meal that kept him full and energised for the day. What will happen to Nad now all that has gone?

Nad's story is based on a compilation of stories that children and families have told us over our seven years work in Luton. In Luton 46% of children live in poverty. We know that because of poverty children are likely to do less well at school. Covid-19 has increased that inequality, and the attainment gap between those with and those without is growing. One of the key reasons for this is because children like Nad do not have access to learning equipment to keep them engaged.

You can do something to put the spring back in the step of children like Nad. By donating you can provide essential learning resources and other items such as food and clothing that will help Nad to keep learning.