OHANA (Charity Number 1162152)

OHANA is a UK-based nonprofit charity dedicated to supporting families with special needs children and care-experienced parents. Established with a focus on fostering community, inclusion, and wellbeing, OHANA provides a network of social support, practical activities, and training opportunities to improve the quality of life for vulnerable families.

Activities and Services

OHANA organizes bi-weekly play activities tailored for families with special needs children, offering them opportunities for social interaction and development. The charity also runs support groups that foster communication and build social networks among these families. Additionally, OHANA provides volunteering and training programs, aiming to empower community members and offer respite care options to families in need.

A core part of OHANA's mission is collaboration with local authorities, including schools and social service organizations, to develop inclusive activities and ensure that families have access to comprehensive support. Through its "Ohana Champions" volunteers, the charity has established vital links with local food banks and created a recycling program where families can donate and receive free clothing and furniture, helping to alleviate financial pressures amid rising living costs.

Mission and Impact

The name "Ohana," meaning "family," reflects the charity’s commitment to building a supportive community that addresses issues such as isolation, service accessibility, and relationship building. The charity emerged notably during the COVID-19 pandemic as an innovative response to the social challenges faced by care-experienced and first-time parents, many of whom experienced heightened isolation.

OHANA works to understand the needs and challenges faced by these families through direct dialogue, aiming to support positive changes and promote resilience. Their approach represents a collaboration between social work insight, local government bodies such as Hertfordshire County Council, and voluntary sector organizations, creating a holistic support system for families.

Governance and Recognition

Registered under charity number 1162152, OHANA is officially recognized by the UK Charity Commission. Its partnership-driven approach and community-led initiatives have been acknowledged for their innovative contributions to social care practices in the region.

This summary encapsulates OHANA’s role as a community-focused charity committed to enhancing the lives of families facing social and economic challenges, particularly those with special needs children or care experience backgrounds[2][4][5].

[1] https://ohanacharity.co.uk/about-us/ [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5056097/charity-overview [3] https://ohanacharity.co.uk/meet-the-team/ [4] https://givingisgreat.org/charitydetail/?regNo=1162152 [5] https://thefrontline.org.uk/blog-post/ohana-means-family/