Stories of hope

The real impact of our work is best told by the children and families we support. Discover their stories and hear how TLG has helped make hope real in their lives.

Tabitha and Theodora’s story

When Elaine and her daughters, Tabitha and Theodora, 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. Elaine longed to find a place where her daughters could belong, and where she could find community too, and at Make Lunch, the family found exactly that.

Read Tabitha and Theodora’s story

Billy’s Story

Billy used to feel overwhelmed by the constant noise around him. It wasn’t just background chatter—it was a storm inside his mind, and it made everything harder. What Billy needed most wasn’t a solution handed to him—it was someone who would simply show up for him.

Make Lunch Anglesey

School holidays for Katherine, Lee and their six children used to be overwhelming. The challenge of entertaining four boys under the age of 8 and two pre-teen daughters was hard, both physically and emotionally. But, because of Make Lunch, they found a big community on a small island.

Ollie’s story

Before Ollie started TLG Early Intervention coaching, he found life at school stressful and hard to cope with. Since meeting with his coach Anne, now Ollie is “back to his brilliant best!”

Lucy’s story

10-year-old Lucy was struggling emotionally, becoming disengaged with school and with friends and lacking in self-confidence. Lucy’s coach, Donna, was able to chat to her about the ins and outs of friendship and emotions that Lucy was struggling with.

Layan’s Story

You’re 7 years old; you’ve been forced to leave your home country; you’ve arrived in an unfamiliar city with your little sister and your parents; your mum is pregnant; you’ve virtually nothing, only a succession of temporary addresses; now Covid is unfolding. Who is going to help you and your family?

Karis’ Story

11-year-old Karis felt utterly lost when her best friend left their school. She didn’t have any other friends, she never got invited to parties, and navigating this loneliness was painful.

Make Lunch Ashford

For friends and working mums Sheila and Maria, getting through the school holidays with their 4 young boys was becoming a struggle. Thankfully, they found hope, community, and a welcoming table at Make Lunch Ashford.

Lily’s Story

11-year-old Lily, her mum Zara and her two younger sisters have walked in shoes that no one should ever have to walk in. Read their story of finding hope through TLG Make Lunch.

Louis’ Story

This year we have followed the story of Louis, a teenager who was facing devastating adversity, bullying and self-doubt. Read his inspiring story!

Joe’s Story

For 8-year-old Joe and his mum, Davinia, TLG Make Lunch has been a much-needed lifeline as the cost of living rises to an unmanageable level.

Charles’ Story

We have been incredibly encouraged by Charles' story of hope. Through the trauma-informed support he received through his Early Intervention Coach, Helen, Charles now has a bright future.

Jasmine and Jamiey-Louise’s Story

Family life can be challenging at the best of times, but health complications and financial insecurity make for an especially difficult mix. For Sam and her four girls, Jamiey-Louise (aged 13), Jasmine (11), Cali (4) and Alice (3), these issues caused a lot of stress and anxiety.

Read more & watch Jasmine and Jamiey-Louise’s Story

Alex’s Story

Alex’s dad, Adam, was self-employed at the beginning of the pandemic which meant the family couldn’t claim any Government support when the UK went into lockdown. Thankfully, the family received support through TLG Make Lunch!

Mason’s story

Devastatingly, Mason's childhood has been turbulent and he has struggled to cope. But thanks to his Early Intervention coaching, he is now able to work through difficult situations he faces and manage his emotions well.

Early Intervention in Northern Ireland

TLG Early Intervention has been rapidly expanding in Northern Ireland, with more and more children getting vital 1:1 support each week. Hear from K about how Early Intervention has helped her!

Read Early Intervention in Northern Ireland

Martin Jr.‘s Story

Martin Jr. and his two older sisters faced a difficult winter last year. With their dad very poorly and money getting tighter, the support they received through TLG Box of Hope was a great help to their whole family.

Read Martin Jr.‘s Story

Ellis and Sophie’s Story

After tragedy struck Emma and her two children, Sophie and Ellis, Christchurch Clevedon were able to offer support through TLG Early Intervention.

Read more & watch Ellis and Sophie’s Story

Alecia’s story

After giving birth to her beautiful baby girl, Deannah, things took a difficult turn for Alecia’s mental health. Struggling financially, Alecia and her husband Deon had a lot of mouths to feed. When their local church stepped in, everything changed.

Read Alecia’s story

Andy and Sharon’s Story

According to a local council report, nearly half the children are growing up in poverty in the borough of Luton, Bedfordshire. For families like Andy and Sharon's, the TLG Make Lunch here is providing a vital lifeline during the school holidays.

Read more & watch Andy and Sharon’s Story

Aimee’s story

Before Aimee began her Early Intervention coaching, her young life was gripped by an anxiety that filled her with fear at the thought going to school. Then Aimee met her TLG Early Intervention coach and things started to change. Dramatically.

Lewis’ story

TLG helps thousands of children every year. But 20 years ago, there was just one boy that kicked it all off. Lewis, now in his thirties, has no doubt that TLG transformed his life for good.