Family charity, Home-Start North Wiltshire (HS), says the £10,000 grant from the Armed Forces Covent Fund Trust (AFCFT) will help local families seeking support and friendship.
Last year, HS helped 79 families and 156 children through weekly home- visiting and group work. Families receive free emotional and practical support to help them cope with challenges such as: isolation, poor health, financial worries, and multiple birth. The Tidworth Friendship café aims to bring local families with children under five together in a calm, supportive environment where parents can meet others and children can play. Snacks and child activities are provided. Help is also offered in accessing the group – whether through a volunteer accompanying a family or transport.
Tania Rackham, HS Scheme Manager, said: “We understand how daunting it can be for parents to join a group and meet others – especially with little ones to look after! Jane, our group leader, is there to provide a warm, welcoming, and relaxed atmosphere ensuring no-one feels alone - with volunteers on hand to listen, chat and play. We’re incredibly thankful to the AFCFT for funding the café. We would also like to thank the Army Welfare Service for their support in setting up the pilot project.”
Tidworth Friendship Café meets every Friday (from 10-12) at Tidworth Leisure Centre. The café welcomes both civilian and military families.
Children’s activities coming up include crafts, fun games developing children’s fine & gross motor skills and tips on building your babies brain through ‘Look, Say, Sing, Play’! To book a FREE place, call or text 07864 652349. Visit www.homestartnorthwiltshire.org.uk for more information about Home-Start.