Tabitha and Theodora’s story

 

 

When Elaine first came to TLG Make Lunch, she was navigating an incredibly challenging season. Christmas was approaching, the cost-of-living crisis was deepening, and she was adjusting to life after a difficult separation.

School holidays, which should have been a time of rest and joy, had instead become a period that felt isolating and heavy for her family. Elaine shared that, before coming to Make Lunch, Tabitha and her older sister Theodora often felt they had little to look forward to during the holidays. They were missing opportunities to play, connect, and simply enjoy being children. Like many parents facing financial strain or major life changes, Elaine longed to find a place where her daughters could belong, and where she could find community too.

At Make Lunch, the family found exactly that.

Tabitha and Theodora quickly discovered a space where they were welcomed, included, and cared for. They loved spending time with friends, taking part in activities they might not otherwise have access to, and sharing a warm, nutritious meal prepared by people who genuinely care, "we always get to have fun and we get loved. We get to eat lots of food that has come from somebody who actually cares for you," describes Tabitha, warmly.  

Elaine told us she has watched her girls grow emotionally, become more confident, and find joy again.

For Elaine, Make Lunch has offered the comfort of knowing she isn’t doing this alone. She has found support, connection, and a community who stands alongside her family - especially at Christmas, a time that can feel particularly difficult. Getting emotional, she describes Make Lunch as a place where love, peace and togetherness are lived out in practical ways.

What began as a simple meal has become a lifeline: a safe, welcoming space where families like Elaine’s can find hope, friendship, and the reassurance that they truly belong.

From hunger to meals that matter and from isolation to belonging; we are grateful to walk this journey with them - and with every family who finds their way to Make Lunch. 
 

 This Christmas, your gift can help more children like Tabitha and Theodora on their journey out of crisis and provide the support they so desperately need. 

At TLG, we hear the question loud and clear: “Are we there yet?” The answer is: not yet. The destination of wellbeing, hope and fullness of life is out of reach for too many children. We see the crisis every day. Children overwhelmed by anxiety, isolation, and hopelessness - pressures from school, food insecurity and the rising cost of living. All these issues deeply affect a child’s mental health.

Your generosity will help chilren and families journey from anxiety to confidence, from isolation to belonging, and from hunger to receiving meals that matter. 

Yes, I want to help more children out of crisis