Charity’s Play Club Supports Children Experiencing Homelessness

A single mother, who has received assistance from a homelessness charity, has described the staff as becoming “like family.” Johura arrived in Britain from Bangladesh in 2022 with her seven-year-old daughter, Habiba, eventually settling in Stoke-on-Trent following what she referred to as “lots of trouble.” She sought refuge at the Gingerbread Centre in Longton, an organization that offers accommodation for single-parent families throughout north Staffordshire. “It’s amazing – they’re like blood-related family members. They are all my family, honestly,” Johura stated. She further noted that the charity’s staff, alongside other residents who have received assistance, have provided her with significant support since her arrival two years prior. “I didn’t expect to get such support. British people know how to respect other people so I’m really grateful,” Johura commented. Within the centre, children can engage in enjoyable activities and play in a secure environment through the organization’s activity club, which receives funding from BBC Children in Need. The charity stated that the club’s objective is to restore the mental health and self-esteem of children who have faced homelessness. Kalisha Savage, representing Gingerbread, remarked, “It’s just a really fun place.” She added, “The children can leave their worries at the door, forget about everything that’s going on and focus on regaining their childhood.” Children in Need will provide the club with an annual sum of £34,000 for the next three years to ensure the continuation of the scheme. Johura mentioned that her daughter, Habiba, especially enjoyed activities such as climbing, bowling, and farm trips arranged by the club staff. “When she comes here she can meet other residents and make friends,” her mother stated, adding, “I also enjoy it very much.” BBC Children in Need Day is scheduled for 15 November. Further information is available here. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external sites. Details regarding our approach to external linking can be found here.