They say charity begins at home and although it would be lovely to support projects around the world, e.g. donkeys in Syria, there are those very close to home. It’s been a very tough year for everyone, including charities, as most fundraising activities have had to be shelved. So read on and support local if you can:-

Home-Start Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre

A family support charity that helps parents to build better lives for their children, need the help of the local community!

As a local charity, since lock-down, we have supported over 163 families and 687 children but, we want to reach out and help even more children and parents.

At a time where we can all find things a little bit harder, adapting to our new normal can be tough and this is a time when more families need a helping hand, a virtual hug, or some support to get them through.

Children, whose parents are struggling for any number of reasons, can often miss out on early skills such as learning and confidence building. Home-Start believes that no child’s future should be limited because childhood can’t wait.

HomeStart Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre

We are seeing that more families have been affected directly by the current pandemic and this is adding to the number of families that need our help. Without sufficient funding, we are unable to support any more families as our Co-ordinators and Volunteers are fulfilling their roles to full capacity. Families that will have been comfortable but living to their means are now in fear of redundancy or have already been made redundant and what was normal, no longer applies. Many family’s circumstances have dramatically changed in just 12 months.

It is expected that we will see a rise in mental health issues within the community in the times ahead, in fact we are already seeing the impact of lock-down on mental health and it is not exclusive to adults, it affects both children and parents.

It is vital that we continue to fund-raise in these trying times, to allow us to support families but, we also understand and appreciate that the ability to donate isn’t an option for everyone anymore so any funds that we do receive – we are so grateful for, and we appreciate every penny.

HomeStart Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre

Home-Start are running a new campaign and for a £10 donation, you can support us and be in with a chance to win £500.00 on the 12th of April, as well as be entered into our Mothers Day and Easter prize draws!

Use our PayPal link to donate, pick a number between 1 and 365 and place your choice in the notes section, along with your email address. https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/homestartbfw

If you don’t have access to PayPal you can still take part by sending an email to donakirkham@homestartbfw.org.uk

Good Luck!

Soon, we will be launching our new campaign ‘Be a Home-Start Hero’ and this fundraising campaign has two levels.

– The 1500 challenge for corporate sponsorship, businesses, colleges, and sports groups to join together with colleagues, friends and family to raise amounts up to £1,500

– The 1500 pennies (£15.00) challenge for schools and young children to take part in a sponsored activity of their choice. Contact us for ideas!

Home-Start are available to support local families and if you, or someone that you know is struggling please do contact our office – 01253 728615.

Your support is invaluable to us, please feel free to email our Corporate & Community Fundraising Manager for more information – even if you fancy being a volunteer!

Stay Safe,

Dona Kirkham

Corporate & Community Fundraising Manager

Dona-Kirkham HomeStart Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre