## Annual Report Adorddiad Blynyddol 2021 –2022
Registered Charity number 1160655 Rhif Elusen Cofrestredig 1160655
To support families with a child aged between 0 –14 living within the County Borough of Wrexham.
I gefnogi teuluoedd gyda phlant rhwng 0 a 14 yn byw yn ardal Cyngor Bwrdeistref Wrexham
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## **Contents**
## **Item Page**
|Chair’s Foreword|3|
|---|---|
|Manager’s Refection|4|
|Treasurer’s Report|7|
|Report of the Trustees and Unaudited Statements|8|
|Management Committee|14|
|Who Have We Been Working With?|15|
|Supported Family Stories|24|
|Volunteer Development Strategy|29|
|Volunteer story|30|
|Counselling|32|
|Thank You|33|
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## **Chair’s Foreword**
A warm welcome to everyone and thank you for joining us for our 2022 AGM.
Once again, we have experienced difficult times this year with so many new referrals and not enough staff, volunteers or funding to meet demand. However, we have been fortunate to employ a new volunteer coordinator using unrestricted monies kindly donated from the Pear foundation. I would like to welcome Kay who has this post and is working with volunteers who are matched to families in Wrexham. Kay also has a small cohort of families to support herself so she has a clear understanding of the needs of the families we work with.
I have to say a big thank you to Mary, Jo and our team of dedicated staff and valued volunteers, for the way they continue to pull together and demonstrate their ongoing passion to making a difference in the community we live in. We are now supporting more families than ever and Family Friends continues to think of strategies to evolve and grow while delivering a bespoke service in Wrexham.
I am proud to say that Family Friends has just celebrated its 25[th] anniversary and we continue to grow as an integral part of the 3[rd] sector in Wrexham building positive relationships with all sectors working with families in need.
Our staff and volunteers are highly qualified and the organisation recognises the value for continuous staff development to meet the ever changing needs of the community. This ensures that each strand of our service is robust, professional and compliments the service delivery as a whole. Building staff skills and offering several other forms of support to the family such as counselling or domestic abuse programmes, offers fluidity and helps the family improve their circumstances faster, this hopefully helps reduce statutory workloads and reduces risk to our organisation.
I want to thank our Funders who have stood by us and had faith in us to evolve through the difficulties of the ongoing consequences of the pandemic. We have just received news that we have secured 3 years of unrestricted funding from postcode lottery which is fantastic, this funding will be used wisely to meet any emerging trends that may arise.
As we move forward, I feel very optimistic at what we will achieve in the future. We have a fantastic workforce and dedicated Trustees, plus with the continued support of our funders I am confident that we will be helping to support even more families in the year ahead and the next 25 years!
Margaret Peet Chair of Trustees **Manager’s Refection**
3
Yet another year passes and the referrals continue to rise.
When a family refers to us, they may not know what we can help with. This is usually because they have several agencies involved, all trying to support the families when the need it most.
However, this can be a long and turbulent ride, so let’s imagine we are all going on a FF journey and let’s call it flight 15122022 - we don’t know where or how long it will take but we have been reassured that it will be ‘good value for money’ an enjoyable experience and just what the kids need’. Family Friends doesn’t actually use those words but we do promote positivity and are good at achieving positive outcomes. This journey is going to relate to a family going on a plane to a destination unknown….
Arrivals -check in- Family Friends, where a welcoming face is there to greet you. This is usually Lisa who explains our service asks a few questions and the excitement builds as it sounds that we (the family) are on their way. But then Lisa says ‘sorry but we have a delay on your ‘flight’(support)’ due to extenuating circumstances which are out of our control, in this instance we are running at full capacity …so the plane is full … so the family waits…frustrations build. Where possible we will signpost them to another flight/agency but usually they have full planes too.
Eventually, it’s time to board, the excitement increases but so does the anxiety as their destination looms. The family have a family support worker or a trained Volunteer who will make everything right again- _wrong_ - starting this journey does not guarantee the perfect destination.
Family and support worker fill out their ‘destination’ of hope, wherein this scenario is our initial assessment form- this looks at where the family are now and where they would like to be and using the flight analogy most would say far from Wrexham, somewhere sunny, children happy and everyone relaxed… problem solved. Only its not that easy, there is much turbulence along the way, which is upsetting, frightening quite often out of the family’s control. Sometimes Family Friends or our stewards who provide the support along the way also have concerns, frustration and fear but we don’t show it, all we do is, reassure the families during these turbulent times that we will get through it together and we will come out the other side but in the meantime we need to fasten up, listen to the advice given and soon the turbulence will lessen.
The family put their trust in the Family Friends service, the service or flight is long haul, very rarely a short hop to any destination. During this time the staff of FF get to know the families strengths and we work on those strengths to help solve some of the problems the families are facing. Quite often the window that the family look out of is small and narrow which often squeezes all the problems together. FF service breaks down the needs into smaller segments so the family’s in sight becomes clearer and more manageable.
Sometimes, FF need to have connecting flights which are all the agencies we work with in Wrexham, this can be daunting to the family as they are already tired and do not want to explain their destination/issues again and again with other agencies. By assigning a staff or volunteer member to each family we act
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as an advocate and carry a lot of the baggage for the family while still making sure we work together so when the family arrive at their destination or end of their journey/flight they can sustain and carry on, using the knowledge and skills to cope which have given them the confidence to carry on being the parent and family they want to be.
Not only do we have connecting flights but our support is ‘fully inclusive’ which provides fluidity and value for our families. We find that when the family boards the Family Friends flight, the journey is like no other. Our 1-1 support with a friendly face, to our ‘programme of activities and events’ are there for everyone and each and every person can access these extras, free of charge. This can include group support, kids club, family education, domestic abuse programmes, confidence building, walk and talks and so much more…all within the confines of our Friendly Family Friends fully inclusive package.
After the long haul flight and the families support package is due to end, the families and Family Friends reflect on their time with us, they are directed to the departure lounge where we have Jo our friendly steward checking all the bags/children are ok, reassuring words that their forward journey is going to be smoother as they have all built confidence and skills to make better choices in life if they want to. Departure lounge or when families go through passport control we ensure the families have the opportunity to feedback on their support and wellbeing.
Sadly I wish we could say the destination and time we have with our families is then over and everyone lives happily ever after but alas this is not the case. With increased needs, cost of living crises, mental health and referrals hitting an alltime high and funding becoming harder and harder to secure. We still cannot support all the families in need though we try our best and we are continually evolving and thinking of new ways to reach more families that are waiting to board Family Friends but we are limited due to size and increased costs.
In 2021 we had 160 referrals and we supported 161 as some carry over from the previous year. This year just from April to November we have received 131 referrals already, that is an increase of 23% and although we try to meet demand, demand outstrips our availability to support everyone. Ideally, we need more funding, bigger premises, more staff and more volunteers, I’m not sure that we will ever meet demand but we do what we can to reduce needs in the community and all our staff, volunteers and Trustees are so passionate about empowering individuals and making a difference to everyone, I know FF will continue to grow as a valued and recognised good service in Wrexham. We have positive feedback and recognition which is testament to this, our passion to build confidence and skills in our staff, volunteers and families will continue as this is key to moving forward in all aspects of life.
The future looks very busy for Family Friends, we promise we will continue to work hard, supporting families in Wrexham to ensure that they reach the best possible outcomes and make positive choices in their lives going forward.
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I would like to thank everyone who plays a part in making Family Friends what it is today from the funders who continue to have faith in us, the Trustees and advisories for the support they have given me and the organisation over the last year, the volunteers who all bring skills and experience to the organisation and lastly the staff team without whom I could not do my job, they are the cogs that make the organisation so successful in its delivery. It just leaves me to say a huge THANK- YOU to you all �
## Thank-you
Mary Roblin, Manager
6
## **Treasurer’s Report 2021-2022**
We started the year still coping with Covid-19 and its variants causing an ever increasing number of referrals, putting our waiting lists to levels unprecedented in the 22 years I have been a Trustee for Family Friends.
Ongoing funding opportunities to alleviate the effects of the pandemic on the families were available and we obtained grants to continue with the increased service level for the rest of the year.
From November 2021 free banking was withdrawn for the charities, with a charge of £5 per month to run our bank account with additional charges for certain transactions. Good news came in January 2022 when we saw the interest on our charities Investment Account slowly increase from 79p per month to currently over £90 per month, this is due to us holding restricted reserves, hopefully this will continue.
I present to you the accounts for the financial year ending 31[st] of March 2022. The Receipts and Payments Account shows how Family Friends’ money has been spent. The Statement of Assets and Liabilities shows where our funds are deposited and summarises the designated finds for which we are liable. On the behalf of the Trustees, I thank all our funders and donors for their support and recognition of the much needed and valued service we provide to the community of Wrexham.
Wendy E Williams
Treasurer
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REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1160655
# **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2022**
## **FOR**
## **FAMILY FRIENDS (WREXHAM)**
Guy Walmsley Limited Chartered Accountants 3 Grove Road Wrexham LL11 1DY
8
## **FAMILY FRIENDS (WREXHAM) REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022**
## **TRUSTEES**
M Roberts – Deceased 03/06/2021 W Williams R Woodcock B Griffiths M Peet M Williams Andrea Watson
## **PRINCIPAL ADDRESS**
The Salvation Army Premises Garden Road Wrexham LL11 2NU
## **REGISTERED CHARITY** 1160655 **NUMBER**
## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER**
Guy Walmsley Limited Chartered Accountants 3 Grove Road Wrexham LL11 1DY
9
**INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF FAMILY FRIENDS (WREXHAM)**
## **Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Family Friends (Wrexham)**
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Family Friends (Wrexham) (the Trust) for the year ended 31 March 2022.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
## **Independent examiner's statement**
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Nigel Wynne FCCA Guy Walmsley Limited Chartered Accountants 3 Grove Road Wrexham LL11 1DY
Date: 14/11/22
10
## **FAMILY FRIENDS (WREXHAM) CHARITY NUMBER: 1160655 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] MARCH 2022 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS**
## **NOTES**
## **Basis of preparation**
These accounts have been prepared on a receipts payments basis.
|**RECEIPTS**
**Statutory Funding & Slippage**
WCBC Families First
ESOL
**Grants and Funding**
BBC Children in Need
Community County Council Support
Community Foundation Wales
Lloyds Bank Foundation
Methodist Insurance
Moondance
National Lottery Community Fund
STEPS Training and Monthly Groups
Steve Morgan Foundation
VSEF Small Grants
WCBC – Rise and Shine Provision
Youth Led Grant
Henry Smith
Postcode Lottery
Pear Foundation
Unpaid Carer’s
**Generated Income**
Bank & COIF Charity Fund Interest
Other Income
Fundraising Donations
**TOTAL RECEIPTS**|**2022**
**2021**
£
£
£
£
51,938.27
53,119.48
18,863.76
19,863.76
-
13,003.00
-
4,975.00
-
12,907.00
-
-
-
64.35
-
20,000.00
-
10,000.00
9,190.99
8,788.00
24,230.00
27,833.37
-
13,293.00
-
77.00
-
1,000.00
54,100.00
-
20,000.00
-
10,000.00
-
20,234.00
-
-
69.98
-
-
6,061.82
623.30|
|---|---|
||214,618.8
4
185,607.24|
11
|**PAYMENTS**
Costs – Befriending
Costs – Play Support
Costs – Family Fun Club
Costs – Care and Share
Costs – Events/Trips
Costs – ESOL
Costs – Family Education
Costs – STEPS
Costs – Freedom Programme/Domestic Abuse
Costs – Respite Support Group
Rent
Travelling
Volunteer Travel
Volunteer/Family Training
Staf Travel
Postage and Carriage
Ofce Stationery, Photocopier and Telephone
Costs
Books etc
Computer and Software
Equipment
Resources
Premises Expenses
Insurance
Refreshments
Sundry Expenses
PPE & Cleaning
AGM Costs
Staf Salaries
Sessional/Playworker
Pension Costs
Audit Fees
Consultancy Fee
Payroll Charges
Staf Training Costs
Room Hire
Fundraising Expenses
WCBC Clawback
CORE
Bank Charges
Technology
**TOTAL PAYMENTS**
**NET OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS**
**Cash funds last year end**
**Cash & Bank funds at 31st March 2022:2021**|**2022**
**2021**
£
£
£
£
399.80
1,329.59
-
-
-
2,736.62
-
-
2,778.26
400.60
-
-
-
-
-
212.35
-
-
-
739.06
4,454.44
4,895.25
-
277.40
-
136.54
-
384.46
4,636.76
1,852.85
-
108.46
-
3,320.69
-
20.49
-
2880.10
79.99
291.30
4948.94
1482.89
-
-
-
840.77
-
8.50
-
165.49
-
372.85
-
-
140,535.02
110,397.55
1,235.10
1,560.86
22,781.01
14,843.22
-
360.00
-
1,272.80
-
679.00
4,211.14
3,155.27
-
552.61
-
-
-
3,070.20
4,076.70
-
24.08
-
322.69
-|**2022**
**2021**
£
£
£
£
399.80
1,329.59
-
-
-
2,736.62
-
-
2,778.26
400.60
-
-
-
-
-
212.35
-
-
-
739.06
4,454.44
4,895.25
-
277.40
-
136.54
-
384.46
4,636.76
1,852.85
-
108.46
-
3,320.69
-
20.49
-
2880.10
79.99
291.30
4948.94
1482.89
-
-
-
840.77
-
8.50
-
165.49
-
372.85
-
-
140,535.02
110,397.55
1,235.10
1,560.86
22,781.01
14,843.22
-
360.00
-
1,272.80
-
679.00
4,211.14
3,155.27
-
552.61
-
-
-
3,070.20
4,076.70
-
24.08
-
322.69
-|**2022**
**2021**
£
£
£
£
399.80
1,329.59
-
-
-
2,736.62
-
-
2,778.26
400.60
-
-
-
-
-
212.35
-
-
-
739.06
4,454.44
4,895.25
-
277.40
-
136.54
-
384.46
4,636.76
1,852.85
-
108.46
-
3,320.69
-
20.49
-
2880.10
79.99
291.30
4948.94
1482.89
-
-
-
840.77
-
8.50
-
165.49
-
372.85
-
-
140,535.02
110,397.55
1,235.10
1,560.86
22,781.01
14,843.22
-
360.00
-
1,272.80
-
679.00
4,211.14
3,155.27
-
552.61
-
-
-
3,070.20
4,076.70
-
24.08
-
322.69
-|
|---|---|---|---|
|||190,483.9
3
24,135.00
128,350.2
6
152,485.1
7|158,357.77|
||||27,249|
||||101,100.79|
||||128,350.26|
12
## **FAMILY FRIENDS (WREXHAM) CHARITY NUMBER: 1160655 STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AT 31[st] MARCH 2022**
|**CASH FUNDS**
Petty Cash
Bank Deposits
COIF Charity Fund Account
**Total Cash Funds**
**OTHER MONETARY ASSETS**
Insurance Payment
**LIABILITIES**
Independent Examiners Fee
Owing for Photocopier
Owing March 2022 PAYE
Owing for Staf Expenses
Owing for Insurance
Owing for Telephone Charges
Owing for Room Hire
**MONETARY ASSETS REPRESENTED BY:**
**Designated Funds**
Staf Redundancy
Photocopier Lease o/s
Minimum Closedown Cost (3 months) [2021 5
months]
Peninsular
Independent Examiners Fee
**Restricted Monies**
ESOL
E.S. Pay
FSW Post
Steve Morgan Foundation
Tampon Tax
Moondance Foundation
CFW
YLG
Student Reimbursement
Pear Foundation
Unpaid Carer’s (WCBC)
Postcode Community Fund
Henry Smith
Charity
Families First Parenting
Staf Roles, Training & Development
Backdated Payrise 01/04/2021 - 31/03/2022
**Un Restricted Funds**
Fundraising and Bank interest
**Free Monies**|**2022**
£
283.70
73,609.47
78,592.00
**152,485.17**
0.00
350.00
0.00
2,526.07
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
**2,876.07**
22,122.61
500.00
48,852.70
1,521.36
350.00
8,342.88
0.00
0.00
1,594.01
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
10,000.00
20,234.00
7,145.99
9,101.78
22.91
14,000
3,071.89
3,451.60
**150,311.73**
**2,173.44**|**2021**
£
130.75
49,627.51
78,592.00|
|---|---|---|
|||**128,350.2**
**6**|
||||
|||406.12|
|||350.00
37.69
2,562.46
196.96
433.43
10.03
0.00|
|||**3,590.57**|
|||18,437.00
700.00
59,542.36
1,521.36
350.00
0.00
1,365.18
2.234.70
2,326.68
1,027.93
20,000.00
8,730.89
650.02
79.99
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
10,210.38|
|||**127,176.4**
**9**|
||||
|||**1,173.77**|
These financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 14/11/2022 and were signed on its behalf by:
Mrs M Peet
Mrs W Williams
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## **FAMILY FRIENDS**
## **Management Committee 2021/2022**
Trustees (voting members) Chairperson Margaret Peet Vice Chair Mel Williams Treasurer Wendy Williams Secretary Beulah Griffiths Individual Volunteer members Ruth Woodcock Andrea Stevenson
Representation on the Management Committee in an advisory capacity Prevention & Inclusion Service Julie Williams – Ty Ni Family Centre
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## **Who have we been working with? (health and social Stresses breakdown)**
Family Friends works with a wide variety of issues and continue to grow in skills and expertise to meet and alleviate the individual issues our families face. Below is a breakdown of the kinds of health related issues we have worked with this year:
**----- Start of picture text -----**
AGM Health Related Issues
Number of
Health Related Issue
Families
Mental health issues due to abuse in child or adult 73
Adult depression 34
Adult mental illness 45
Adult physical illness 6
Adult with physical disability 25
Anxiety/panic attacks 49
Child depression 18
Child development delay 16
Child physical illness 4
Child undergoing assessment-behaviour/health concern 35
Child with physical disability over 5 13
Child with physical disability under 5 5
Diagnosed ADHD 7
Diagnosed Autism 14
Family Suffering stress 54
Hearing Impairment 12
Learning difficulties children 18
Learning difficulties parents 6
Pregnant Mum 5
Self-harming behaviour 1
Self-harming behaviours in child or adult-please indicate 15
Sight Impairment 7
**----- End of picture text -----**
15
Protecting children and supporting families most at risk is something we care passionately about here at Family Friends. Below is a table that breaks down the types of social stresses families we work with have been facing over the last year. As you can see the list is very varied and presents some real challenges to the skills of our committed staff team. We have been able to do some key work with families most at risk to stop things escalating and helping to prevent a family breakdown.
**----- Start of picture text -----**
AGM Social Stresses
Number of
Social Stresses
Families
Involved or history of involvement with Social Services 81
Child in Need 6
Child subject to TAC 21
Child taken off Child In Need 1
Children on Child protection register 7
Children taken off child protection register this year 3
Education issues 13
Ethnic issues 6
Family in debt 20
Family on benefits-excl Child benefit 45
Family Supported in the past 8
History of offending 5
Parent In prison 2
Physically isolated 18
Socially isolated 41
Victim of crime 9
Young Carer in family residence 15
**----- End of picture text -----**
16
## **Facts & Figures 2021-2022-What a busy Year!!**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Referrals Received = 160
Referrals Returned due to full capacity or 31
reduced needs
Number of families supported including 161
some carrying over from last year
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Who have we been supporting?
Children adults
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **Our reputation is growing**
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As we have grown over the years we have established ourselves as a reliable service to refer to from other agencies. As testimony to our reputation and successful partnership working in the community as a useful organisation in families’ lives, this year we received referrals from 34 different referring agencies with the top four being:
WFIS- Wrexham family Information service-Most referrals SS- Social Services/Children’s Services-second highest TAC - Together Achieve Change-Third Self referrals=18 which equals 11% of referrals.
## **Finding a place in the heart of the community**
This year again we have a high record of self referrals, which questions whether:
-
- Are there are enough agencies networking together?
- is it families are more empowered to seek help themselves?
- is it still the after effects of the pandemic with some agencies still not easily accessible? For 11% of families self referring to us demonstrates that the community know who we are, what we do and that we have been approachable and easy to access throughout all the challenges we have faced over the last few years, but it is also worrying that many families are in need but maybe not engaged with other agencies. The referrals are for a wide range of help:
## **What have we been doing this year?**
18
Throughout the year we have delivered a wide variety of sessions that cover many issues and offer bespoke support and care to families who need it most. Here is the breakdown of everything we have achieved this year:
34 Play support sessions
**----- Start of picture text -----**
32 ESOL sessions
**----- End of picture text -----**
14 Care and share/Walk and Talk sessions
19
Family Trip to Park Hall farm
Summer of fun 12 sessions
**----- Start of picture text -----**
4 Freedom and 2 Recovery
Tool Kit groups
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
3 Steps Programmes
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Self funded Respite sessions
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**----- End of picture text -----**
**Below are some of the things our families have said about us over the year in their end of support evaluations. Take a look:**
20
92/21 22[nd] Re: Trip to Greenwood. Fantastic day, loved it all. Aug 2022 03/22 22[nd] Re: Trip to Greenwood. Thank you do much for a lovely day! The kids Aug 2022 and us have really enjoyed it 139/21 22[nd] Re: Trip to Greenwood. Myself and my 8yr old daughter had a lovely Aug 2022 time and would like to thank the organiser. The only negative was the coach driver! We have made some lovely memories for the future, thanks again.
## **Extracted feedback from our evaluation forms:**
_“Jane explained everything to us”_
_“Jane takes time to know we understand” “Jane helped when it was really bad” “Helped me with the legal stuff and speaking to housing”_
_“Easy to talk to and knew a lot of things”_
_“Good I like her”_
_“Very good and friendly”_
_“Sorted out my benefits and DLA for me and got me beds for the children”_
_“I do want to do more and go back to work eventually and now stuff is more settled I can think about doing that”_
_“Helped me with benefits and furniture when I really couldn’t cope”_
_“She listened to me and helped me access the other services I needed”_
_“Goes above and beyond”_
_“Initially unsure but we gelled really well when I got to know her”_
_“Very respectful – no judgement”_
_“Want to keep her, she has made me trust people again”_
_“Yes, she is a persistent pain in the arse!” “Gave me hope, I can honestly say I don’t think I would be here today if it wasn’t for Family Friends”_
## **Completed Example of our End of Support Evaluation form:**
**Please answer the**
**1 2 3 4 5**
**Comments**
21
**----- Start of picture text -----**
following questions as
honestly as you can: (please
write N/A in comment box if not applicable to
the serviced you accessed)
How useful and informative did X Mary explained the service to
you find your first visit from your me clearly and how this had
coordinator and or Family been adapted considering the
Support Worker? pandemic.
How useful have you found your X My regular calls with Pip have
ongoing contact with your helped me overcome many
coordinator and or Family difficult situations along the
Support Worker? way.
How well matched were you to X I could not have wished to be
your volunteer or family support better matched. Pip put me
worker? at ease from our first call, I
never felt judged and she
understood how I was feeling.
How well did you feel treated by X Everyone I have come across
the staff and volunteers in Family at the organisation has been
Friends? helpful.
How useful was Family Friends to X This service has provided me
your family? with support tailored to our
individual family, given me a
more in depth understanding
of my children and
transformed my relationship
with them.
Has Family Friends helped you Yes No I accept that this is a journey and
move towards your goals? we will continue to experience
difficult times but the support I
have received has given me
confidence to believe in myself as
a parent and to support my
children in ways they need.
Has Family Friends made a Yes No Absolutely, I do not know how I
positive difference to your life? would’ve coped with all the
obstacles without this support.
**----- End of picture text -----**
**As part of good practice, we carry out a monthly check on how families are finding support with Family Friends-this ensures the match is working and to gather real feedback from the families we support.**
In our recent audit we have heard from many of our families about how the
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support they are receiving right now today is making a difference in their lives. Here are what our families have been saying about their Family Friends support workers:
_“Absolutely brilliant, can’t thank her enough”_
_I’m over the moon with her. I can talk openly and she is on the ball with everything”_
_“It’s going great. She is lovely. I really appreciate her as well. She gives me the best possible advice. It’s like we have a really good connection”_
_“Donna is great! My youngest adores her. I feel like I can talk to her and she is a fountain of knowledge”_
_“Going well, Jane’s marvellous. She has helped sort lots of things out specifically the disability badge”_
_“Laura is amazing! If it wasn’t for Laura I don’t know what I’d do! I was under social services and Laura has done everything for me, got things moving. She has done so much”_
_“Jane is brilliant! I couldn’t have asked for a better support worker. She has really been helping. She is helping me with absolutely everything! She is fighting for me as other professionals have let me down. She is the person who is truly on my side”_
_Laura has helped me loads. I don’t know what I’d do without her. I know Laura is there for me”_
_“Jane does a lot on computers for us as we can’t work the internet”_
_“Laura has heled me build confidence to make phone calls and face paperwork”_
We are so proud of our family support team and the work they do. It is a pleasure to conduct the monthly audit and hear first-hand how much of a difference our team are making in the lives of the people they support. Family Support is a challenging and demanding role. Often time is pressed and stress is high so to consistently have our supported families reporting that they feel their family support worker or trained volunteer is there for them and has a good connection is testimony to how caring and active they are in their roles.
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## **Supported Family Story**
This is the feedback from a strong and resilient young single mum who has completed two courses with us and is now a committed and active member in our brand new Departure Lounge group. She has written a list of what she feels she has gained from doing the courses with us.
**The Recovery Toolkit** – This course aims to help women make sense of what has happened to them after escaping a domestically abusive situation and how it has affected their sense of self, how they parent and how they turn up for themselves in the world after surviving domestic abuse. The course supports participants to build their self-worth and teaches skills to manage emotions and negative thought patterns to help survivors to put their life back together and recover fully from the experience of domestic abuse.
- Met new people who were going through the same situation
- Gained more awareness of domestic violence
- Took back control of me and my life
- Helped me at my lowest
- Met some great friends
**Steps** – This is an in depth and life changing course that helps participants to learn how their brain works, how their values are shaped and their identity is formed and then coaches them step by step to build new confidence and live life with an empowered understanding of how to overcome negative thinking and work towards more positive outcomes for their future.
- Gave me more confidence
- Now I can achieve things that are outside of my comfort zone
- Made some great friends
## **Supported Family Story**
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_I would just like to say that Family Friends have helped me so much. When I lost my two sons within 24 hours of each other I didn’t think I could carry on with life. However, I had my grandson to bring up and Family Friends have helped me come out of a dark hole that I thought I would never come out of._
_Family Friends not only helped me with the loss of my sons. I have been mentally and physically abused since I was 19 years old by every man I’ve met. Since going to Jo’s class I can now honestly say I will not let any man be like that with me anymore._
_When I first came to Jo’s class (the Steps course) I was very quiet. Now thanks to Jo and the lovely ladies I have met there, I feel more confident and I am trying very hard to like myself, which I have never done before._
_I am getting there with the help of Family Friends, especially Jo and Lisa. I would like to thank all of Family Friends for all their help. You have helped me so much and I am trying to have a fresh start and I would not be able to do it without you._
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## **Supported Family Story**
_Here's my story..._
_I did not know what to expect on my journey to family friends. I have always been anxious around crowds & groups since I was a very young age. Jo immediately caught my attention with her warm welcome & friendliness as well as showing her skills in experiences with life. My gratitude does not even come close to how I feel for this amazing lady & the group I have settled in with. All the ladies I have met are all truly inspiring & I thought that I was alone, but I am not._
_This group has given me so much laughter, tears & joy over time, getting to know each other. Knowing that we are all here together, supportive with one & another, so rare seeing this kind environment & empowering group. It has changed the way I see my life & perspective in every way._
_I have suffered years of trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD & more so after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia, BPD & ASD. This group has given me HOPE & I appreciate the opportunities that has given to me to go every week, I attend to continue going as long as I can & staying in touch with the lovely ladies in the group._
_Not only have I gained some confidence, a better outlook in life & becoming a better version of myself. But I have also gained new friends too._
_To anyone who is feeling alone & you feel like you don't fit in, you are not alone. Family friends can relate so much more than you know & more than you expect. Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself & start your new journey, I do not even know how to mention how humble I am to this amazing community we have. They have changed my life forever. Thank you truly from the bottom of my heart._
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## **Supported Family Story**
_I've achieved a lot from this group. (Steps Course and Departure Lounge)_
_When I first joined I was very low, I had no confidence and very few friends. Since then, I've learned I can trust people, I've made friends with everyone there and feel comfortable to open up to them and I'm more outgoing. I really enjoy and look forward to Wednesdays at the Departure Lounge because we've all opened up to each other and I know we're all in a similar position so I don't feel like I'm "the odd one out"._
_Jo, the session leader, has made me feel like I matter. She's helped me to see negative aspects of my life in a different light and I feel like she understands and doesn't judge myself or anyone else._
_I don't know where I'd be now if I hadn't been referred. It's been invaluable and I hope it will continue for other people in my position._
## **Supported Family Story**
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_Prior to coming to Family Friends I had no clue how broken I was. I just knew I didn’t want to be alive another day. I’d lost my marriage, my children and a place to call home._
_I was living in a hotel room, wishing life wasn’t so difficult. Vicky and Jo came along in the form of counselling and a Steps course and completely changed who I am for the better._
_I began to realise my worth, the value of life and just what I have to offer the world._
_I got a home to call my own, my children back, but most of all I found myself and an irreplaceable support network._
_Without Family Friends I would not be here today and will be forever thankful for this painful and beautiful journey._
_Thank you x_
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## **Supported Family Story**
_Before starting Family Friends I was very low in myself. I found myself crying most days and felt like I lacked a lot of motivation to get on with things that I really wanted to do and not just every day housework._
_I have four children (26, 22, 28 and 7) My youngest has learning difficulties with challenging behaviour._
_I have struggled with losing my mum just after the 7 year old was born. My mum was such a lovely person who had helped me in every way she could. I think that through my life I will always miss her. I have also lost my Dad a couple of years ago who was also such a great loss to me. So, life has been extremely difficult the past 7 years._
_Since joining Family Friends Jo my teacher and all the ladies have become really great friends and we have a great social group._
_We firstly did the steps course which heled me in many ways to make me start feeling like I actually existed and that I am a person with my own needs and that I deserve to be happy._
_I have learned to start training my brain that I can live without crying for my Mum and Dad. They will always be truly with me. I have also focused on doing crafting and decorating which I love. I have also been seeing a counsellor to help me as well._
_Even though there will always be difficulties, I am learning how to manage them and not dwell on them._
_Thank you to Family Friends for helping to change the way I was. I really look forward to the class each week and hope it continues in the future._
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## **Volunteer Development Strategy**
It has been a very busy year in volunteer recruitment here at Family Friends. We have run our volunteer preparation course: ‘Do Something Good Today’ twice this year and recruited 9 fabulous new volunteers.
We are gearing up for another course in the new year and already have a waiting list of 9 kind people willing to give their time to the community to make a difference.
This year our recruitment drive was face to face after a couple of years of virtual training due to Covid. Our training is an essential part of our safer recruitment policy and provides clear understanding to our volunteers about the expected commitment, boundaries and support they will have in Family Friends.
Our volunteers are a gifted and experienced bunch of all ages and from all walks of life! We have students of criminology, retired social workers, business owners and young people all willing to give and support families in crisis. This is great news for the charity and shows how much a part of the community Family Friends is. One of the most moving things in volunteer recruitment is seeing some of the volunteers who were once our supported families, who have been helped in the past, wanting to get involved and give something back to the charity that made such a difference to their life.
We always need more! Our waiting list of families in desperate need of support is always growing. There is a place for you to do something good and make a real difference with the support of a caring and friendly volunteer coordinator. Please do get in touch if you would like to add something special to your life in the new year and come along on our training course for free!
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## **Volunteer Story**
_Good morning,_
_My name is Franca, and I have been with Family Friends since 2009,_
_I was a supported Family at that time, as I was isolated, no family and friends, and I struggled with 2 children, one who is in a wheelchair,_
_I was told about Family Friends, but I couldn’t except the fact that I needed help, but it wasn’t only for me but most important for my children, I thought I would give it a try, I was given help on and off throughout the years, always knowing that a friendly voice was at the other end of the phone to speak with regardless if I was no longer being supported, I made a few friends and the children strived immensely, and this was all down to the people at Family friends, especially Mary Roblin._
_Now over 5 years I have a role in volunteering. As I wanted to give back any support to other families who like myself are struggling and are too afraid to accept the fact that they need support, as I have been where they are now. There are a lot of people, especially through difficult situations and what life throws at them._
_At the moment I am supporting a family who recently had an accident and was left paralysed from the waist down, a single mother with 3 children, 2 of which are under the age of 6. I find it very rewarding knowing that my help is giving back the confidence that she is lacking and putting her in the right direction as she is coming to terms with what life challenges her and her family._
_Family Friends gives support in many areas, not only to the individuals, but also to the children and family who need support._
_I am very fortunate to be part of this charity, as it not only has helped me through the years, but many other families like myself who needed support._
_Thank you_
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## **Qualifed Counselling ofered for free to those in desperate need**
Our Counselling project has gone from strength to strength and clearly compliments our current service delivery. Hopefully funding will allow for us to continue and grow to meet the need in the community. Services like this have high waiting lists county wide and our waiting list is growing, but we are proud to have been able to support 65 adults & 29 children in the last 12 months, although recognition of our valued service has increased our referrals for counselling and currently we have 36 adults waiting for counselling and 38 children.
We wish we could support them all but the pressures of funding, targets and venues put added pressure on us and this service.
Counselling is delivered over the phone, virtually online and face to face to ensure those who need it can access it no matter what social restrictions we may be facing.
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It just leaves us to say a huge _THANK-YOU_ to everyone who has been a part of Family Friends and made it what it is today. 25 years ago it started out with one coordinator and one admin and a couple of Volunteers supporting a few families.
Today we have 8 contracted staff,4 sessional staff and 26 volunteers who between them support an average of 90 families at any one time. We still have a growing number of families still waiting for support, demand is so high with 76 families waiting (as of 17[th] November 2022). But we have to recognise we have all made a difference to so many lives over the last 25 years. We will continue to thrive, meet growing needs and emerging trends, regardless of what may come our way and that is all down to everyone that plays a small or large part in FAMILY FRIENDS so….
_**THANK-YOU to each and ever one � y**_
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