Thank you to everyone who so generously donated to The Big Give Christmas Challenge and The Childhood Trust who championed our cause by fund matching. We raised a staggering £5,122.50 inclusive of gift aid, significantly more than our original target of £4,000. The money raised will help us to continue to support vulnerable families and give more children a brighter future.
The first five years of a child’s life are the most important in shaping their future. During this time, children need nurturing care from their parents and caregivers. The quality of the relationships that surround children, and a positive home environment are key to promoting wellbeing, healthy relationships and school success later in life.
Being a parent has never been easy, but the pandemic has turned families’ lives upside down, creating added anxiety and increased pressure. Covid-19 has taken a toll on every family but the impact on vulnerable families has been devastating, with many families falling below the poverty line. Reduced support services, missed early years education and restricted play opportunities have exacerbated isolation and contributed to poor mental health and anxiety.
At Home-Start Wandsworth we understand the importance of play for families in enabling parents to be more attuned to and involved in their child’s development and we work in ways that value fun, humour and joy. We provide tailored 1:1 support to parents to build upon their strengths, supporting and empowering them to build vital connections with their children and fostering positive parent-child relationships. The bond and attachment between children and their parents are especially powerful in laying the foundations for future learning, health, behaviour and relationships.
“Play provides a gateway for parents to understand children’s behaviour, how they communicate their needs, emotions and interests. Playing with our children builds bonds and it is these bonds that strengthen and enrich the parent-child relationship.” – Charline, Home-Start Wandsworth Coordinator and Specialist in Child Development
As we start to navigate a new normal, Home-Start Wandsworth’s programme of group activities and 1:1 support is needed now more than ever to improve the futures of children in Wandsworth.
