Families Together Suffolk

Families Together Suffolk (Charity number 1127760) is a UK-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families across Suffolk. The charity focuses on fostering strong family foundations by providing practical, emotional, and community support, particularly to families with children under the age of twelve.

History and Mission

Formerly known as Home-Start Mid and West Suffolk, Families Together Suffolk aims to bring community back to the heart of parenting. Their mission centers on ensuring families have access to networks, knowledge, and skills that contribute to their child’s healthy development and overall family wellbeing.

Services and Activities

Families Together Suffolk offers a variety of services tailored to meet the needs and preferences of families:

• Home-Visiting Support: At the core of the charity's work is a home-visiting service, where trained volunteers provide informal, friendly, and confidential support to families in their own homes. Visits typically occur weekly or fortnightly and are tailored to the family’s unique circumstances.

• Group Support: The organization facilitates family groups for parents with children under five years old. These groups offer a safe and supportive environment where families can meet others, participate in fun activities, and engage in the community. Some groups focus on specific issues such as special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or perinatal support.

• Family Workshops: In addition to home-visiting and group sessions, Families Together Suffolk provides workshops aimed at enhancing parenting skills and community engagement.

Volunteer Engagement

The charity recruits and trains local volunteers who play a vital role in delivering its services. Volunteers are matched with families to provide ongoing support, helping families build social connections and access community resources effectively.

Governance and Staffing

Families Together Suffolk operates with a governance structure comprising trustees who oversee the charity’s strategic direction. As of the latest data, the charity employs 24 staff members and engages over 120 volunteers in its programs. It is governed by seven trustees who help guide its mission and ensure effective use of resources.

Funding and Financials

In the financial year ending March 31, 2023, Families Together Suffolk reported a total income of approximately £789,000, sourced mainly from donations and legacies (£636,440), other trading activities (£151,780), and government contracts and grants totaling over £198,000. The total expenditure reached £691,555, with the majority allocated to charitable activities such as family support services and volunteer training.

Impact

By offering tailored, community-oriented support, Families Together Suffolk helps families overcome challenges and strengthen their resilience. The organization’s work contributes to improved parenting confidence, reduced isolation, and enhanced child development outcomes within the Suffolk community.

Summary

Families Together Suffolk is a vital charity in Suffolk supporting families through home visitation, group activities, and volunteer engagement. With a strong commitment to community-based early intervention and support, it continues to make a positive difference in the lives of many local families.

This article is based on information from the Charity Commission for England and Wales and Families Together Suffolk’s official materials.

[1] https://www.familiestogethersuffolk.org.uk [2] https://www.familiestogethersuffolk.org.uk/families-together-suffolk-support-for-your-family.html [3] https://lift4kids.org [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regId=1127760&subId=0 [5] https://uk.becollective.com/groups/60bd6939ce782b091a963964/profile