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 families and deliver beds, and school staff spot the signs of bed poverty and make referrals on behalf of children. To name just a few. 

How Teachers and Schools Help Tackle Bed Poverty 

This week, we sat down with Keeley to talk about her involvement with Zarach, both as a supporter and as someone working in a school. Through her role at a Primary School in Leeds, she makes regular referrals to Zarach on behalf of children. She told us that she finds it comforting to know that within what seems like no time at all, the children she refers to us, get cosy beds and their own safe place to sleep. 

Running the Leeds 10K in Support of Zarach 

So when she saw a social media post at the end of April about a few remaining places for runners in the Leeds 10K in support of Zarach, she knew it was a way she could give something back: 

“I saw a social media post saying that Zarach had a few spaces left for runners. This was probably the end of April, so last minute. My stepdad died at the beginning of April and I wanted to focus myself on something positive. Training for the 10km and raising money for Zarach seemed like the right thing at the time.”

The Impact of Bed Poverty Support in Schools 

Working in school and seeing the children every day means that Keeley is able to see the impact of that support first-hand:

“We notice that children are happy with their beds. They are often more rested and ready to learn. We can then focus more on positive bedtime routines and any bigger issues knowing that the basics are covered.”

Keeley is also able to see the impact on the wider family. The heavy financial burden of new beds, bedding, pyjamas etc. is lifted and the stress is removed. It’s a huge positive change for the whole family. 

Because Keeley sees the impact every day, she crossed the finish line of the Leeds 10k knowing that the money she raised can change a child’s life. She told us:

“It felt great knowing I have raised over £350 to support Zarach. I can picture that as a little face, not just as a number. I made a referral today so it feels like we covered that cost. It’s very special.”

Why School Referrals Are Vital to Zarach’s Work 

At Zarach, we couldn’t do what we do without the support of people like Keeley and so many others across schools, communities and workplaces. Our relationships with schools are something we are incredibly proud of and grateful for. It’s this everyday commitment from people on the ground, those who see the need and choose to act, that helps ensure children have not just a bed, but the chance to rest, learn and thrive.

So on National Thank a Teacher Day, thank you Keeley, and all the teachers who refer to Zarach. Without you, we wouldn’t be able to reach the children who need us most.

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