Chloe's Story
Chloe is just four years old. Last Christmas, she and her family spent three days sitting in the cold and dark.
Her parents had done everything they could to make Christmas special for Chloe. Every parent wants to give their child the very best, don’t they?
They worked extra hours, turned down the heating and even ate less themselves to make sure Chloe had presents under the tree on the big day. But once Christmas morning had passed, the reality set in and there were bills that needed to be paid.
For many families, Christmas is a time of excitement and joy. Unfortunately, for families struggling to make ends meet, it can be the hardest time of the year. Sadly, Chloe’s story is far from unique.
Recent Barnardos research found that more than one in five parents (21%) had to go without or cut back on heating. And up to 80% of families surveyed said that cost-of-living pressures had negatively affected their children in some way.
Behind these statistics are real children, just like Chloe, whose parents are doing everything they can to give them a happy, safe and secure childhood.
This Christmas, you can help change their stories.
Chloe's parents were terrified to ask for help.
For Chloe’s mam Laura and dad Paul, the worry went far beyond keeping the lights on.
Chloe was an anxious little girl. She often cried or became upset, and found it difficult to settle when something troubled her. She was also experiencing developmental delays, struggling with speech, movement and other milestones that children her age would usually be reaching.
Her parents desperately wanted to help her. But with bills mounting, debts growing and no family nearby to turn to, they were overwhelmed.
They were frightened. Exhausted. And carrying an enormous amount of guilt.
When Eleanor, a Barnardos project worker, first answered their call, the line went silent. Chloe’s parents were too afraid to share their names and address. They were so afraid their daughter would be taken away from them.
When they met, Chloe’s mum, Laura, was holding her so tightly. Her husband Paul broke down in tears as he explained how difficult things had become for their family.
A donation today could help families like Chloe’s get the practical and emotional support they desperately need.
Thanks to generous donors like yourself, Chloe and her family began receiving the help they needed.
Through our Young Parents Support program, they met other families experiencing similar challenges. Being able to talk openly about their struggles helped ease some of the guilt and shame they had been carrying.
With Eleanor’s guidance, they started putting a plan in place to manage their finances and rebuild some stability in their lives. They also received practical support to help them through their immediate difficulties.
But perhaps one of the most wonderful changes has been in little Chloe herself.
Thanks to your kindness, Laura and Paul are learning new ways to understand Chloe’s feelings, respond to her needs and help her feel safe and reassured when she’s upset.
With support from people like you, Chloe has started spending time in the outdoor playground at her local project. This is helping her physical development and giving her the chance to play and socialise with other children, which is also helping with her speech and social skills.
Her parents are also learning new ways to bond with Chloe and respond to her needs and emotions. This is already making a difference, with Chloe settling more easily around her parents as they learn to understand better and respond to her feelings.
Chloe’s family are getting back on their feet. That’s the difference your donation can make. Not just helping a family through a difficult moment, but giving a child the care, encouragement and opportunities they need to thrive. Because childhood lasts a lifetime.
Thousands of children like Chloe live in difficult circumstances, with parents doing everything they can but still struggling to make ends meet.
With your help this Christmas, you can make sure families like Chloe’s get the support they need. You can help keep the lights on, the heating running, and food on the table, not just on Christmas Day but throughout the winter.
