Home-Start Bracknell Forest has been awarded £3,000 of funding to support their "Empowering Hearts and Homes" project, which aims to benefit Abri customers and the wider community by addressing each families’ unique needs; promoting wellbeing, and strengthening the social fabric of communities.
Home-Start Bracknell Forest achieve this by tailoring support offered to struggling or disadvantaged families with children aged 5 years and under. Through the delivery of practical aid, emotional support and guidance, Home-Start aim ultimately to alleviate financial hardship for each family and to foster community stability.
To address the unique needs of each family, the project offers a range of activities and special services to cater to various challenges, including:
- Weekly 1-2-1 home visits by specialist, trained volunteers.
- Weekly “Baby & Me” sessions in term-time for new and/or isolated parents.
- Weekly “Family Play & Learn” sessions in term-time to promote development of physical, emotional and social skills of young children.
- Weekly “More than Words Communication Group” in term-time for families expressing concern about their child’s language and communication development.
- “Preparing to be Dad” courses for expectant fathers throughout the year.
Nina Madder-Smith, Fundraising & Engagement Officer at Home-Start Bracknell Forest said: “We believe that every family deserves an opportunity to thrive, so our approach is focused on proactively reaching out to those living in our Bracknell Forest community. We are committed to removing barriers, promoting inclusivity, and making certain that every family has an equal opportunity to benefit from our services. With Abri’s support, we can continue to ensure that our programmes remain accessible to all, fostering a sense of community and support for those who need it most.”
To find out more about services from Home-Start Bracknell Forest e-mail Nina Madder-Smith on nina@hsbf.org.uk or visit www.hsbf.org.uk.
The community fund is part of Abri’s commitment to empowering lives and creating thriving communities, making them better places to live. Abri has awarded nearly £90,000 from its community fund to support local organisations and projects between April 2022-March 2023. Cita Jagot, Abri’s Communities & Involvement Manager said: “More organisations across Abri’s geography are being supported than ever before as part of Abri’s new regional approach to delivering services. By splitting its operating areas into three, Abri will ensure its colleagues are even more visible, accountable and empowered to meet the specific needs of their customers and diverse communities.”
Applications are decided on a resident panel made up of customers and those living in its communities. Shanie Clarke, an Abri customer and panel member, said: “I’m really excited that we have the opportunity to support this project as it continues to grow and have such a positive impact on our communities in the south east of England. The project is really responding to a local need.”
Other successful applications from this round of Abri’s community fund include:
- £2,000 for the Saturday Kids Zone for Deaf Children in Hampshire.
- £1,694 for Dorset Bushcraft for their “Creative Chaos!” workshops in Weymouth.
- £1,500 for Friends of In Touch’s youth groups in Eastleigh.
- £2,718 for Over The Wall Children’s Charity’s “South Health Challenge and Siblings Camp 2024” in Dorset.
Abri’s community fund opens for applications four times a year, and organisations can apply for up to £3,000 to support a project in one of Abri’s communities. The next application window is open now and applications can be made up to and including 31 January 2024.
Projects with a cost-of-living focus will be prioritised. Application forms, and window dates are available here.