Zarach is a registered (Charity No. 1179539)
I’m entering my 19th year of teaching and leading a school in an area categorised in 2018 by the government as being in the top 1% of most deprived areas in England according to the Index of Multiple Deprivation. As a child, I attended a school in the same postcode...
It’s not a novel concept to say that life is made up of a series of transitions. As a primary school teacher, transitions are at the forefront of my mind as we approach the summer holidays. Children are closing one chapter and preparing to begin another. They’re saying goodbye to...
There’s a saying we have here at Zarach: ‘nothing happens without lots of different fingerprints on it’. From referral to delivery, there is a whole network of people working behind the scenes to make sure a child gets their bed. Supporters raise vital funds and champion our mission, volunteers visit...
Ever wondered what happens after you donate a bed to Zarach? I’m Scott, part of the logistics team here at Zarach, a UK charity working to end child bed poverty. My role is all about turning donations into something very real: delivering bed bundles directly into children’s homes. A bed...
This Volunteer’s Week we’re celebrating the fantastic dedication shown from volunteers, that we simply couldn’t operate without. We sat down with Ann, one of our long-standing volunteers to hear more about her experiences and why being a part of something bigger than herself makes her tick. How Ann Found Zarach and...
There’s something about spring that feels like a fresh start. Lighter evenings. Warmer mornings. The sense that things are beginning again. We open windows, let the fresh air in, and look ahead with a little more optimism than we did in winter. But for too many children, that fresh start...
In one of the world's wealthiest countries, hundreds of thousands of children still go to sleep each night without a bed of their own. Research by the UK children's charity Barnardo's estimates that around 900,000 children in the UK lack a proper bed, meaning they may sleep on the floor,...
Life Changed Overnight Every child deserves a warm, comfortable place to sleep. But for siblings Zayan and Aleeza, that simple comfort disappeared overnight. When their dad became too ill to work and bills started to pile up, the family had to leave their home and move somewhere more affordable. The...
Life Without a Bed Every child deserves to wake up rested and ready for the day ahead. But for Freya, that simple comfort was impossible. After a bed bug infestation, Freya and her mum had to throw away all their beds, bedding and blankets. Her mum, Joanne, who works part-time,...
Settling Into a New Normal September is done. Soon we’ll hopefully be replacing September’s nervous anticipation and routine setting with settling in to a new normal. For some families, this season isn’t just about new uniforms and school supplies. It’s about survival, resilience, and navigating the incredibly tough realities that...
Teenagers need rest; not all of them get it As a headteacher in a secondary school, I see how hard our students can find education; trying to engage and succeed as they navigate growing into young adults through their teenage years. I know how tired I feel at the end...
Why Sleep Matters for Children Sleep is when the body and brain recharge, making it vital for: Learning and concentration – Well-rested children perform better in school and find it easier to focus. Emotional wellbeing – Poor sleep can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and difficulty managing emotions. Physical health...
The Link Between Sleep and Success Sleep plays a crucial role in brain development, concentration, and emotional regulation. When a child gets the rest they need, they wake up ready to learn, grow, and engage with the world. However, children who experience bed poverty—who sleep on floors, sofas, or in...
At Zarach, we believe that every child deserves a good night's sleep, but the truth is, we are providing more than just beds. As National Family Engagement Manager, I have the privilege of witnessing the real-life impact our work has on families across the country. Yes, we deliver beds, but...
