without listening to the experiences of people living it, putting them at the heart of our work when we are designing new services.
Lived experience is key to designing compassionate and effective services that tackle the root causes of poverty and homelessness. Listening and collaboration is the only way forward in understanding the issues.
Therefore, we evidence our work by documenting stories of recovery and transition. These stories are not our stories, but we are proud to be part of them, they are a testament to the people behind them, who have come through traumatic and challenging times to build a better future.
Abbie lives in Scholes with her two children, aged 10 and 12. Following the breakdown of her marriage, Abbie experienced a short period of homelessness and stayed in our emergency accommodation for three weeks while she worked to rebuild stability for her family.
As a single parent, Abbie was under significant financial pressure, particularly around rising energy costs. Our team supported her with budgeting advice and helped ensure she was receiving all the benefits she was entitled to. She also joined The Brick Food Community, where she can shop twice a week for £5, receiving surplus food worth around £30–£35 that has been donated or diverted from landfill by local supermarkets and restaurants.
At Christmas, instead of distributing standard hampers, we transformed our Food Community into a Christmas shop experience. This approach gives families choice and dignity, allowing parents to select gifts for their children themselves. Many of the items available were generously provided through The Brick Multibank.
When Abbie visited the Christmas shop, she chose gifts and nightwear for her children. That morning, a delivery of pyjamas had arrived, and as Abbie was leaving, one of our volunteers noticed her lingering nearby. When gently offered a pair for herself, Abbie hesitated, saying everything needed to be for “the kiddies.” Our volunteer quietly checked stock and returned with a pair of brand-new Harry Potter pyjamas in Abbie’s size.
The following day, Abbie sent us a message to say thank you. She shared how, for the first time in years, she had received something just for herself at Christmas – something she had quietly given up on being able to afford. She described the moment as unexpected, overwhelming, and deeply meaningful.
Small acts of kindness, offered with dignity and care, can make a lasting difference.
Joe is a single dad to his four-year-old son. A few years ago, Joe suffered a stroke, leaving him with a mild disability. Until last year, his son lived with his mum, step-dad and younger half-brother. Due to addiction issues, Joe’s ex-partner lost custody of both children, and they were placed into care.
Joe fought for custody of his son — and won.
Previously we supported Joe on the breakup of his relationship with emergency housing. After gaining custody we were then able to support Joe with a move into a council property. With no furniture or household essentials, Joe was starting from scratch. We provided beds, wardrobes and a washing machine, along with clothing and toys for his son from our multi-bank. This support gave Joe and his son a genuine fresh start. Working alongside Wigan Warriors Community Foundation, we were also able to gift them Wigan Warriors tickets – a huge moment for a young fan who would otherwise never have experienced something like that.
More recently, Joe was taken advantage of by a plumber who charged £110 to install his washing machine, only to do the job incorrectly. The machine leaked, damaging furniture, and the plumber then blocked Joe’s number. Already under financial strain, this was incredibly stressful.
We stepped in to help. The washing machine was correctly plumbed in, damaged furnishings were replaced through The Brick Multibank, and Joe was given cleaning products, toiletries, towels and bedding. This support eased the immediate pressure, prevented further financial loss, and removed a huge amount of stress at a critical time.
Joe is now in the process of applying to foster his son’s younger half-sister. Although the child is not his biological daughter, Joe is determined to keep the siblings together. He already has weekly contact to maintain their bond, and a court hearing is scheduled next month. If successful, Joe hopes to go on to adopt.
Joe told us:
“I love that kid like my own. We are a family. Not many men would do what I’m doing, but I want to be a role model and show that men struggle too and that there are good men out there. I wouldn’t have the energy to fight this case without The Brick. Knowing I don’t have to worry as much about the costs makes all the difference.”
