Family thanks The Cowshed for help after they became homeless
A FAMILY that became homeless have thanked staff at a borough charity for their kindness.
Priya Perera, whose name has been changed, said that her family of five are asylum seekers and didn’t have enough clothes, shoes, or toiletries when they found themselves without a permanent place to live.
During that time, their health visitor urged them to contact The Cowshed.
“They provided all the necessary items, such as suitable clothes age by age, shoes, jackets, laundry items and toys in a professional manner,” Ms Perera said. “It was really helpful during that stressful and helpless situation.”
When Ms Perera became pregnant, the charity helped her with maternity clothes, which was really useful, she said.
“The Cowshed helped us a lot with baby items, such as baby clothes, crib, bedding set, Moses basket, highchair, feeding bottles, nappies, wipes, bath tub and toiletries,” she added. “All of the baby items arrived just in time before our baby girl was born. It was quite a lot of stuffs we couldn’t even imagine. We were very much grateful to get all the stuffs at once, on time.
“Our baby girl was so lucky to have all ready before her arrival.”
Ms Perera said that the charity continued to support her family for half a year.
“They even sent us baby clothes up to nine months for our new born baby,” she said. “We are so grateful to The Cowshed charity organisation for helping us when we were in need. My children were so happy when they received clothes, shoes and their favourite toys. Most of the items were brand new.”
Ms Perera said that her family still does not know how to thank staff at The Cowshed for their help and kindness during a stressful time.
“We wish The Cowshed good luck with their work, and may God bless their charity work more and more,” she said. “We once again say thank you helping us.”
Jake Morrison, chief executive at Citizens Advice Wokingham, said that his organisation often refers residents to a range of charities for support.
This year, Citizens Advice Wokingham has supported one in 20 adults in the borough.
“We all know that Wokingham borough is charitable and full of friendly, supportive people,” he said. “This can be also demonstrated through the number of active charities we have and the services provided.
“Charities like The Cowshed provide essential and immediate support.
“So when we’re providing advice, information and support to our clients, quite often they also need immediate hardship support, or relief in need type support.
“Theses charities do a brilliant job filling the immediate needs of many people in need in our communities, while we can continue to work with them to look at income maximisation, dealing with debts, housing issues or a problem with their job, for example.”
Mr Morrison said that 42% of referrals to The Cowshed also highlighted a mental health issue. Many others were also supported with debt advice.