Funds Amassing Over £16,000 to Address Children's Bed Deprivation Crisis
In a collaborative effort to combat child bed poverty, the charity Zarach has partnered with Yorkshire Housing and Thirteen Group, with the latter providing a significant financial boost of £13,500 to support the cause[4][5].
Founded by Bex Wilson, a deputy headteacher, Zarach aims to end bed poverty in England by providing new beds and bedding items to families experiencing poverty, often through referrals from schoolteachers or pastoral staff members[1].
The funds from Thirteen have been instrumental in setting up Zarach's new warehouse in Hartlepool and providing new bedding equipment[2]. This collaboration is part of Zarach’s wider mission to end child bed poverty across England, ensuring each child has a bed of their own[3].
In Yorkshire, professional services group Gateley raised nearly £5,000, enabling the purchase of 32 complete bed bundles—each including a new bed frame, mattress, duvet, pillow, and pyjamas—benefiting children in the region and improving their wellbeing and school performance[1].
Community involvement is a crucial aspect of Zarach's work. Volunteers provide logistics assistance with packing bed bundles at its West Yorkshire warehouse[1].
Yorkshire Housing, which chose Zarach as their 2024/25 Charity of the Year following a company-wide vote, is raising funds for Zarach through events, fundraisers, and donations, and has already raised almost £8,000 since April[6].
Angela Corner, Head of Regeneration and Communities at Thirteen, expressed support for the partnership with Zarach, while Andy Peers, CEO of Zarach, expressed gratitude for the support from Thirteen and Yorkshire Housing, stating that it cements the connection between the charity and the social housing sector, allowing Zarach to reach more vulnerable children[7].
The impact of these partnerships and funding has been significant. Schools have reported positive outcomes in pupil wellbeing following Zarach’s interventions, with 95% reporting improvement[1].
Zarach's mission is supported by a dedicated team, including Carolyn Handley, Jess Sandy, Ellie McGrath, and R-L Tim Jennett[8]. Jay Jepson, Chair of Yorkshire Housing's Charity of the Year Committee, stated that Zarach was the perfect match for their fundraising partner due to its mission aligning with their vision to provide homes for people to be proud of.
With the combined efforts of Zarach, Yorkshire Housing, Thirteen, and the community, the goal of ending child bed poverty in England is one step closer to becoming a reality.
The community’s involvement in Zarach’s mission is emphasized through volunteers packaging bed bundles at the West Yorkshire warehouse. The collaboration between Zarach, Yorkshire Housing, and Thirteen Group has been instrumental in setting up Zarach's new warehouse and providing new bedding equipment. This partnership in home-and-garden items is part of Zarach’s education-and-self-development initiative to end child bed poverty across England, ensuring each child has a sufficient lifestyle to thrive.
