Turning lives around: Tatiana's story

If it wasn't for The Base, I wouldn't have my child with me now, I'd still be homeless."

Tatiana's story of homelessness and poverty is not uncommon in the UK where four million children miss such necessities as three meals a day or adequate clothing.

Around a third of our work focuses on the alleviation of poverty. We provide advice on housing, access to training and employment, and help young people learn the skills to budget and have financial security in the future.

Help us turn lives around. Your support will make a difference to the lives of young people like Tatiana across the UK.

There are many more young people caught in the poverty trap.

Read Mia's story

Mia was just 13 when her mother died, and she was placed into care. After a couple of years, while she was trying to complete her education, the placement broke down and Mia was moved to a hostel some miles away.

Enter Barnardo's

A Barnardo's project in the East Midlands became involved. Barnardo's supported Mia by helping her to find better accommodation and a college place. They made sure she applied for benefits and registered for healthcare and also gave her practical help with budgeting and general life skills.

Continuous and ongoing support

Mia believes her project worker has helped make things better in her life, by supporting her choices and 'being there' when needed.

My worker sees me or rings every week to see if I’m ok, she even came to collect my GCSE results with me and will come to parents' evening at college."

She visits the project to attend the young women’s group and use facilities like the phone and computer.

With your help, Barnardo's supports young people like Mia to turn their lives around.