Family Friends in Windsor and Maidenhead
Supporting local families
Family Friends provides early support to families who are facing difficult times and enables them to get back on their feet. Help is free, confidential and open to all families and children living in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. (Some services are for children aged 0-13 only.)
This year we are celebrating 20 years of service to local families. Our journey has taken us from a small group of volunteers in Maidenhead to an organisation which supports more than 250 families and 450 children every year. We are now based in Windsor, in offices above The Lawns Nursery School on Imperial Road.
We have a wonderful team of trained volunteers who provide practical and emotional support to those experiencing issues including, but not limited to, stress, isolation, depression, ill health/disability, bereavement, divorce/separation, managing behaviour and low self-esteem.
This can include hands-on help, a listening ear, a break from a stressful situation and assistance in accessing other support services such as counselling and child-focused community resources.
Our dedicated team of staff can provide one to one guidance with parenting support and offers specialist support to families affected by mental health, substance misuse and/or domestic abuse. We also have projects working with Army Families in Windsor and Asian Families & Fathers in Maidenhead, addressing specific issues that these communities may face.
Family Friends in Windsor & Maidenhead was named Charity of the Year at the Royal Borough Voluntary Sector Awards 2015.
The award was presented by the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead (RBWM) and WAM Get Involved at a ceremony at Maidenhead Town Hall, in the presence of the Mayor, Cllr Eileen Quick. It recognises the excellent work carried out by Family Friends across the Royal Borough, and the impact that our early support services have on the lives of local children and families.
It was a triple celebration for Family Friends, as our dedicated Volunteer Team were recognised as runner-up in the Team of the Year category, with Helen Price receiving an individual Highly Commended award.
Catherine Burns, Head of Services, said: “The RBWM Charity of the Year award is a wonderful endorsement for the work of Family Friends. Twenty years ago, a small group of volunteers came together to support local families and this volunteer service remains at the core of our organisation today. I am particularly pleased that Family Friends volunteers have also been recognised, both collectively and individually, for their commitment, enthusiasm and dedication.”
How Can You Help?
We are always looking for volunteers to support families (for two to three hours a week: training is provided) and would be delighted to answer any questions you may have about the roles. For more information, please call Kerry on 0300 800 1005 or visit www.family-friends.org.uk
We are also keen to expand our community fundraising team. Perhaps you could get a group of friends together for a sponsored walk or fundraising coffee morning? Or could you help out at events and charity collections? Find more ideas and information on how to donate on our website at www.family-friends.org.uk/ways-to-donate
or contact Katherine katherine@family-friends.org.uk.