Children as young as 6-months-old are without a bed in Wolverhampton
The Good Night Project said it was seeing more and more demand for cots
A project in Wolverhampton has revealed that children as young as 6-months-old are being left without somewhere to sleep.
The 'Good Night' project told us it is seeing more and more demand for cots.
What is the 'Good Night' project?
The project was launched two-and-a-half years ago to support families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. They get bedding and beds to people who need it.
In the past year, the project has delivered 621 beds, 674 mattresses, 246 bedding sets, and 24 cots.
They say on average they are receiving 25 referrals a week.
'Stocks have nearly run out'
Project co-ordinator, Phil Dixon said: ‘Demand has remained high for the last 12 months and we’ve seen a particular increase in demand for children’s beds and bedding.
‘This has included bunk beds, which has enabled a significant number of children to move from having to share a bed with their siblings to having a bed of their own.
‘At the start of the Good Night Project we had a fantastic donation of more than a hundred new cots from Kinder Valley, but our stocks have now nearly run out so any donations to help us replenish those stocks would be gratefully received.’
'Just black bags on the floor'
Phil said that demand has changed since they first started the project: 'We are now dealing with more complex needs. You walk into a situation where there are just black bags on the floor.
'People have been living in that situation for weeks and even months on end. It is a human right really.
'These people may be fleeing domestic violence. They have walked away from somewhere where they had something and they now have nothing,' he said.
'We are still in tough times'
Leader of the council, Councillor Stephen Simkins has championed the scheme from the outset.
‘As a council we are determined to be there to support our residents when they need us most.
‘Everyone should be able to have their own bed to sleep in at night and it is sad there is a need for a project like this, but I’m glad we are able to help.
‘We are still in tough times, but we will continue to support the great work carried out by this project throughout the city.
‘None of us want to think of anyone having to sleep on the floor at night particularly children. We all deserve a good night’s sleep as a basic in life, so we’re in a fit state to learn, work and live successful, healthy lives, so please try and help if you can.’