We recently gave West Cheshire Foodbank £500 towards their “It’s Only Temporary” project supporting homeless families living in temporary accommodation in Chester. The money will be used to fund fun, valuable activities during school holidays for the children of families who are currently living in a hotel room.
“It’s Only Temporary” is a collaboration of voluntary, public and private sector between organisations led and supported by The West Cheshire Foodbank, Soul Kitchen and the management team for the accommodation. The grant means the team has been able to buy materials needed for a timetable of fun activities, including painting, mask and bracelet making, film nights as well as the very popular and messy slime sessions!
The fun and creative sessions will support the children’s overall wellbeing by making sure they don’t miss out on entertainment in the school holidays. They also give the parents a chance to socialise and reduce their feelings of isolation and worry.
Clare Roberts from The West Cheshire Foodbank said “These resources have been invaluable to help us support the children in these families and create a more homely environment for them. It enables the children to get out of their rooms and make friends whilst having fun trying lots of creative activities. The grant has ensured that we can provide regular activities for the children right through to the Christmas holidays too.”
The grant directly supports some of the most disadvantaged people in Chester who often, through no fault of their own, have found themselves without a place to call home. Enabling the experience to be as good it as it possibly can be for a family, especially the children involved, will hopefully help to minimise any longer-term trauma.
If your organisation supports those experiencing poverty or disadvantage, read about how our grant scheme might be able to help your work.
