Cost of Living Crisis

Facing the Cost of Living Crisis Together and the Hidden Toll on Children  

For 7 million people across the UK, the cost of living crisis is more than just a headline – it’s a daily struggle. With inflation rising and interest rates climbing, many households are fighting to cover even the most basic essentials.  

But this crisis doesn’t just affect bank balances - it’s taking a serious toll on people’s physical and mental well-being. And heartbreakingly, some of the most profound effects are being felt by those with the least power to change their circumstances: children. 

The Hidden Toll on Children 

At Forget-Me-Notts, a project run by Operation Orphan, we see the impact of the cost of living crisis first-hand — particularly in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Lancashire. Families are being pushed into impossible situations. One of the clearest examples is the growing issue of bed poverty. 

Too many children are sleeping on floors, sharing cramped beds, or going without adequate bedding. These conditions don’t just affect their comfort — they affect their health, self-esteem, and emotional development. 

How We’re Helping 

Our mission is simple: to support vulnerable children and families by collecting and distributing essential household items, bedding, and personal hygiene products. These items offer more than just physical relief — they restore dignity, promote well-being, and help build a sense of stability. 

Thanks to our wonderful community of donors — and an army of crafters who knit and crochet beautiful blankets — we’re able to provide not just essentials, but warmth and care. Every child we support gets to choose their own handmade blanket, giving them a rare moment of joy and control in a life that can often feel out of their hands. 

These small gestures — a warm duvet, a clean towel, a handmade blanket — may seem simple. But they matter. They send a message: you are seen, you are valued, and you are not alone. 

How You Can Help 

We’re reaching out to local companies, schools, and community groups to get involved by hosting collection points and helping us gather the items we urgently need: 

• Bedding (duvets, pillows, sheets, etc) 

• Household items (washing up liquid, cloths, etc) 

• Toiletries (soap, toothpaste, sanitary products, etc)  

If you can’t donate financially or with items, please help us by sharing our poster with your friends, family, and colleagues. Even one share can lead to a donation that helps a child in need. 

Together, We Can Make A Difference

This appeal is about more than just meeting material needs. It’s about giving children a better start, restoring dignity to struggling families, and proving that the community can step in when systems fall short. We don’t have to wait for change to come from the top. We can build it from the ground up — one blanket, one bed, one child at a time. 

If you’d like to get involved, please get in touch. Together, we can bring warmth, hope, and comfort to the children who need it most. 

(Below is a link to our Amazon Wish list, please help us help these vulnerable children!)