I learnt this week that one of my 14 year old police cadets has been sleeping on a mattress on the floor, and that their mother had been struggling financially. I decided to pop in today for a cuppa and to see what their situation is. My cadet lives with their mum (who has a tragic life story), and she is trying to do right by them. However, because of her own health issues, and state of recovery from substance misuse - she has been unable to work. They have always been quite secret and proud, hence me not knowing their situation.

Their little council house was clean and tidy, but they had very little furniture, no carpets, and the house was in need of repairs and decorating. The age of the property, and lack of carpet throughout, means that it is so cold in the winter that they live up stairs where it is warmest (as she cant afford to keep the heating on for more than a few hours each day).

I have received offers of help from some of you, and I really want to help them. The cadet has always been well involved with the cadet programme, very well behaved, and I want to keep them on with us. At the same time, no family should be unable to use their whole home, feel cold, or have to sleep on the floor - especially when they are part of OUR FAMILY.

I would really like to get a small group together and go and make some improvements to their home - including a lick of paint, some general repairs, lay carpets, and giving them a few more bits of furniture. Your donations will go towards carpeting their home.

Many thanks.