The cost of living crisis has revealed how hundreds of children and their parents often don’t even have a bed to sleep in at night.
But today the Good Night Project is being launched in the city to try and end this situation and ensure everyone has a bed of their own, where they can get a good night’s sleep.
The Foundation and ACCI have come together with the council to provide a dedicated service to provide beds and bedding to those that need them.
Around 1500 beds and bedding items have been given out over the last 12 months with 60 per cent of these going to children.
Those in need can apply for emergency help from the Household Support Fund – the money being distributed by the Government through Local Authorities to help with the cost of living. Supports is available for one-off household expenses like food, energy or household items but it also became clear that many residents were asking for essential items like beds and bedding.
The council launched its Financial Wellbeing Strategy last summer with partners in a one city approach to ensure those in poverty could still reach their full potential and build better lives not just for themselves now, but for their families for generations to come.
The Good Night Project is an initiative which the Foundation were very keen to support to add to the other help they have provided around the Cost of Living crisis, including the Feed Our Pack campaign.
Already providing food poverty support, with more than 200,000 meals delivered in 2022, the Good Night Project enables the Foundation to assist in other areas.
Tom Warren, senior manager for projects at the Foundation, said: “The Feed Our Pack project has made a huge difference to the community over recent years, particularly post-pandemic.
“But with the cost of living crisis affecting so many people, we’re aware the need has grown beyond that of just food. So, we’re delighted to be again working in partnership to deliver The Good Night Project, which will be another important addition to what we can offer.
“Everyone deserves a good night’s sleep and it is vital for mental and physical wellbeing.”
The Good Night Project was launched on Monday with a three-day exhibition, featuring a double bed in the main entrance, to shine a spotlight on the issue, and also show how people can make donations.
Leader of the City of Wolverhampton Council, councillor Ian Brookfield said: “The cost of living crisis has affected everyone to some degree, but with some being affected far more than others. It’s shocking in this day and age that some children don’t even have a bed to sleep in at night.
“We’ve shown as a council and with the help of our great partners that we’re determined as one city to do all we can to help those that need it most through these tough times.
“A good night’s sleep is essential to us all and is one of the fundamental things we need to thrive and grow. Children need good sleep to do their best in school and build bright futures where they can fulfil their ambitions.
“It saddens me that a project like this is needed, but I’m glad we’ve been able to launch this with our partners to try and ensure every child and indeed every person in the city can have a bed to call their own.”
Alicia Spence, from the other key partner, the African Caribbean Community Initiative added: “ACCI as a charity has operated in Wolverhampton for over 30 years.
“We have worked with families and individuals that when we first met did not even have the basics, like somewhere to sit, sleep or even prepare a basic meal. For a lot of people we helped, their situation had eroded their sense of self-worth and dignity.
“The Household Support Fund has helped ACCI give people the essentials they need to improve their lives and build a more positive outlook for the future.
“ACCI is looking forward to a positive future partnership with the City Council and the Wolves Foundation.”
- For more information, including how to apply and donate, visit wolverhampton.gov.uk/goodnightproject.
