Dear Friends,

With so many plans being made for Christmas parties, hampers, pantomime visits and associated activities it is sometimes easy to forget the core work which is so vital for our families. In the last month our practitioners have been supporting many families in incredibly difficult situations including a family of 7 living in 2-bed emergency accommodation, and a single parent family in which the mother has just been diagnosed with a terminal illness. The huge variety of families who are referred to us means a wide range of support needs, and we are fortunate that amongst our practitioner team we have some specialist experience which can be shared (some of our practitioners have particular experience in SEN issues, supporting victims of domestic violence, and supporting first time parents). It makes such a difference to our families, as this recent message confirms:

“You’ve been such an amazing support and help. Without you I wouldn’t be where I am now and everything you’ve done and invited us to has made a huge impact on my life and my kids’ lives. We are so greatly appreciative and grateful you are in our life for all the help and support that you have given and still are giving.”

Looking ahead to Christmas, if you are planning on supporting us with Christmas food collections then we would be very grateful. Our Christmas wish list is available to share, and if you would like to arrange a collection by our van then please contact the office in plenty of time on 01273 832963.

Our carol service this year is being held at Fletching Church on Thursday 13th December. We do hope that many of you will be able to join us so please keep an eye out for further information across our website and social media channels.

With many thanks for your continued support and prayers.

September’s work in numbers

• 204 individual visits and 1,071 calls with families supporting 222 adults
and 171 children
• 47 supported meetings with other agencies
• 46 group sessions held supporting 402 parents and 239 children
• 85 food deliveries made

Nikki Kerr
FSW Director of Fundraising and Marketing
www.familysupportwork.org