Family Friends

Family Friends is a UK-based charity registered under the number 1028214. It supports disadvantaged families by providing a variety of services, including befriending and mentoring, facilitated by trained volunteers.

History and Mission

Established over three decades ago, Family Friends has been committed to helping families become more resilient and independent. The charity's mission focuses on creating trusted relationships between families and their befriender volunteers, aiming to reduce social isolation and enhance family confidence. They achieve this by matching families with volunteers who can offer emotional and practical support.

Services

Family Friends offers several key services:

• Parent Befriending: This program involves trained volunteers visiting families at home to provide informal, friendly, and confidential support.
• Big Buddies: This service is designed to support children through mentorship and companionship.
• Support Groups: The charity organizes support groups for families dealing with various challenges such as caring for disabled children, post-natal depression, bereavement, or domestic abuse.

Activities and Objectives

The charity's main objective is to offer long-term practical and emotional support to parents and children in need. Their activities are centered around relieving distress and preventing emotional and physical abuse of children. Through their programs, Family Friends aims to build trust and nurture growth within the families they support.

Financial Overview

As of the financial year ending March 31, 2024, Family Friends reported a total income of £294,570, with significant portions coming from government contracts and grants. Their total expenditure for the same period was £307,546. The charity relies heavily on a team of dedicated volunteers and a small number of paid employees.

Governance

Family Friends operates with a governance structure that includes a board of trustees, none of whom receive remuneration from the charity. This setup ensures that the charity remains committed to its charitable goals without conflicts of interest.

[1] https://www.familyfriends.uk.com [2] https://www.familyfriendscharity.co.uk [3] https://family-friends.co.uk [4] https://www.familyfriendscharity.co.uk/about-us [5] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/1028214