Hundreds of mothers seeking asylum with their children are surviving on just £8.86 a week.
Now they are getting help with meals and health checks to get over their trauma and isolation.
The children under five years old are in extreme poverty, with lack of necessities like nappies and clothes, living in overcrowded conditions facing scabies and eczema due to poor hygiene, a London charity has revealed.
Poor nutrition can lead to developmental delays and weakened immune systems, it is pointed out.
But a relief programme at six community hubs across Greater London and Surrey to improve their health and help integrate their families has been boosted with a £60,000 gift from London Freemasons.
The programme is run by the ‘Happy Baby Community’ charity to help the children by using storytelling, singing and creative play for their cognitive and social development.
“We’re able to reach hundreds more vulnerable children at a critical time in their development thanks to the Freemasons,” the charity’s Lucy Bracken said.
“Children of families seeking sanctuary face immense challenges that can affect their entire future — from inadequate nutrition to lack of safe spaces to play and learn.
“But we can now expand the help we give to overcome their isolation and trauma.”
Meals are being provided at breakfast and lunch, with weekly bags of fresh produce for the families to take home to help improve their nutritional health. Children’s clothing and buggies are supplied to meet basic needs.
The charity’s programme, boosted by the Freemasons, aims to improve the children’s social and language skills and physical development with active play, fostering “a sense of belonging”.
London Freemasons’ Paul King said: “We’ve been able to support these mothers and children with our mission to make an impact on vulnerable communities. Our funding will help foster better health for these families.”
The Freemasons last year distributed nearly 1,300 clothes for babies and children, served 11,600 meals and provided 126 buggies to families in need.
Their centuries-old organization encourages self-improvement and charitable giving, meeting for social events and fundraising for charities in London and the Home Counties that benefit the community.
