Motherhood is a challenging journey for everyone – a constant lack of sleep, the challenges of childcare, the mental load of running a household – the uphill battle doesn’t stop. But for mothers living in poverty, it is also a battle against financial hardship and uncertainty. This Mother’s Day, we celebrate the incredible resilience of the mothers we support, who work tirelessly day to create a safe and happy home for their children.
We recently visited a family to carry out one of our Transforming Spaces programmes, giving the children’s bedrooms a complete makeover. They all received new beds, desks, and furniture, decorated in their own styles, giving them their own space to relax, study and enjoy their home. Whilst there, we spoke with their mother about her experiences raising children in London, and she shared the struggles she has faced, as well as the wonderful moments that make her proud of everything she has achieved.
From a one-bedroom flat to a family home
For years, the family lived in a cramped one-bedroom flat in North London. With no separate rooms, the entire family shared one open-plan living space. “It wasn’t easy - we had two bunk beds and a sofa for all of us. There was nowhere to relax or sit, other than where we slept. The kids didn’t have space to do their schoolwork, and no one had any privacy. When our youngest started getting horrendous eczema and asthma from the flat, I knew we had to get out of there.”
In 2017, a moment of triumph finally arrived when they moved into a four-bedroom house. It was a significant step forward, offering her children the space to grow, learn, and thrive in a more suitable environment. “The children are so much happier now,” she says. “They have room to study, play, and just be kids.”
Financial struggles
But while the new home has given them space, the challenges of raising the children on a tight budget persist. Their father, who suffered a multitude of serious health issues in a very short amount of time, is currently unable to work. The family relies on child tax credits and occasional support from relatives to get by. “Feeding seven people in London is no small task,” she says. “School holidays are particularly tough, but food vouchers from the council have been a real help.”
School and holiday clubs
One of the biggest challenges she faces is ensuring her children have the essentials they need to feel confident at school. “When one of my boys wears his older brother’s jumper, other kids notice, and it can be tough for them. I wish their school had a uniform - it would make life so much easier for families like ours.”
Despite these hardships, she remains determined to give her children the best start in life. School and holiday clubs play a crucial role in supporting her family, with activities like go-karting, boxing, and swimming helping to keep the children engaged and happy, particularly during the holidays. “These programmes make such a difference,” she says. “They give the kids a break, and I get peace of mind knowing they’re having fun.”
Despite the challenges they face, her children inspire her every day, and she refuses to let hardship define their future. “I am really proud of how we are raising our children. They are doing really well at school, they’re polite and kind and we did that despite everything. Every little victory - like moving into this house - feels like a triumph.”
How can you help?
This story is one of so many across London. Mothers are quietly achieving the extraordinary every day - stretching every penny, sacrificing their own needs, and putting their children’s happiness above everything else. But no parent should have to fight so hard to provide the basics for their children. By donating to The Childhood Trust, not only do you help us transform the homes of families like this, but you fund our London Charity Partners. Our partners deliver the vital holiday clubs that children and their parents need, providing them with food, sports and social opportunities when schools shut their doors for the summer.
This Mother’s Day, we celebrate the unwavering strength and love of mothers. Their resilience in the face of adversity is nothing short of inspiring. If you’d like to support families like this, please consider donating so that we can provide our Transforming Spaces programme for more families across London.
