Research from last Christmas showed that a staggering 309,000 people in England would spend Christmas without a home, including almost 140,000 children. Similarly, last Christmas Women’s Aid reported that they were anticipating the 15% rise in domestic violence cases they usually see immediately after the festive period. Refuge have stated they are seeing many survivors faced with the impossible position of choosing to stay with an abuser or risking homelessness and destitution.
This year, of the hardship grants we have awarded, 11% were to those who reported homelessness as a cause of their financial hardship. Sadly, 11% of hardship grants we awarded this year were to those experiencing or fleeing domestic violence, an increase from 2023.
Give a gift that will make a difference
In 2021 Lily, a nurse, and her two young children were made homeless through a no-fault eviction. They endured months of instability, moving between safe houses and hotels. They were placed miles away from Lily’s work and her children’s school, and this severely impacted their mental health. No one should experience homelessness, and every parent wants their child to feel safe and secure in their own home.
Thankfully, last year Lily secured housing for her family and received an RCN Foundation hardship grant to carpet their house, and finally make it feel like home. This Christmas, Lily and her children are happy, safe, and secure in their forever home.
Give hope to nurses like Lily this Christmas.
We urgently need your kindness and compassion. Your donation could be the turning point this winter for other nurses who desperately need our support. Instead of worrying about where they will sleep, they can begin to rebuild their lives and enjoy the job they love so much.
Help nurses in need this Christmas.
If you are a nurse, midwife, or healthcare support worker and are struggling financially, you can access support here and you do not need to be a member of the RCN.