Community Transport Sussex are running a project with the NHS to better understand the health inequalities that people with disabilities or families on low-income face when getting out to activities that support their health and wellbeing.
Suzy joined us at our Midhurst Family Group to ask the families where they would like to go and what would be most beneficial for their children. The families decided that they would really benefit from a swimming trip as this is something that is difficult to do for a number of reasons such as, low financial income, anxiety or simply needing the practical support from our staff and volunteers due to physical disabilities. Five of the parents noted that they had never been able to take their children swimming, so it seemed like the perfect outing.
We contacted Seal Bay Resort in Selsey and they were kind enough to offer a free swimming session for all of our families, volunteers and staff.
The families were collected from Midhurst by minibus and driven to the resort where they enjoyed a fantastic experience in the water, some for the first time. It was wonderful to see the children having fun with their parents and for the parents to feel so relaxed and supported in the environment.
Afterwards, the families enjoyed a picnic and an ice cream in the sunshine, with a view of the beach, before returning home on the minibus.
We received great feedback from the families. New friendships were formed between families on the journey to and from the resort. They said:
“I am so pleased that I pushed myself to do this for my son, I feel really proud that I was able to face my anxiety so that he could experience this.” – Emily
“My daughter is having the best time, she is so confident in the water!” – Alex
“I am so pleased that I have been able to bring my son as I could never have done this on my own.” – Aimee
“We have enjoyed it so much that we have enquired about coming back again with our older child.” – Paige
We had a lovely day today with Chichester Harbour Conservancy and the Harbour Tots!
Families from Home-Start Chichester & District went along to the Harbour Conservancy Education Centre in Dell Quay. From there we walked along the path beside the sea to a special area designed for young children to explore nature and enjoy time together. We looked for mini-beasts in the pond, sang songs together, made some crafts and shared snack time, all in the open air.
It was a chance for the children and their parents to feel more confident in nature and have a fun day out together. We can’t wait to come again next time!
Home-Start Chichester & District have received funding to expand its current services in the Witterings area of the district. The 3-year project has been funded by the F Glenister Woodger Trust and will enable local families to receive a range of support from the early-years charity.
Lois Rowlands, Manager of Home-Start Chichester & District, is grateful for the financial boost “We already support some parents and children in the West Manhood area however this generous donation will enable us to meet the needs of far more families for whom life is proving challenging”.
The project will see the long-standing charity host several volunteer recruitment events, ‘Stay and Play’ family groups as-well as provide one-to-one support to families in their homes across the coastal villages.
Lois continues “With the cost-of-living crisis and an increase in mental health issues being seen in children and adults, there has never been a more important time for support to be readily available to those in need. We would urge the local community to consider our many volunteering opportunities too – there are enormous benefits of being a volunteer; it can improve communication skills and confidence, increase employability, improve mental health, and offers a great opportunity to meet new people”.
The FG Woodger Trust said, “We are very grateful to the Home-Start Chichester & District team for extending their activities in the Wittering area. Praise should go to the volunteers who together will make this project a success. This is a wonderful charity providing much needed support to families in our community and our hope is that this caring, nurturing philosophy will further strengthen our local society in very difficult times.”
In addition to project funding the Woodger Trust have donated a van to support the work that the team undertake across the district.
The Home-Start van will be maintained by Chilton Automotive who have kindly offered their services to Home-Start free of charge.
Join our volunteer team and learn new skills, meet new people, and share you knowledge and experience with families in the area
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is a stressful time for families and children, coping with changes to daily life and school.
Home-Start Chichester and District is still here for you and your family.
We can offer support in a variety of ways. Although things are a little different at the moment – we can’t visit you at home – you can be matched with one of our trained volunteers. They will be happy to call you on a weekly basis and offer a listening ear. Some families prefer to be contacted by text or WhatsApp or Zoom.
Volunteers can meet with families at the park or at the beach and for a ‘socially distanced’ walk – it’s great opportunity to get everyone out into the fresh air and also a chance to chat through the things that might be affecting you day to day.
No one has to be alone.
Volunteers support families with issues to with multiple birth, recovery from postnatal depression, recovery from poor mental health, playing with children, budgeting, healthy eating and isolation.
If you would like to find out more about Home-Start please email us: admin@home-startchichester.org.uk and one our coordinators will get in touch.