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.