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As the children head back to school we start to think about Autumn and Harvest. September marks the beginning of a hectic three months for us at FSW, with an increase in referrals expected as children return to school. This is coupled with the many changes children face at this time of year — moving from primary to secondary, meeting new classmates, or adjusting to a new teacher in primary school.
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For some of the children we work with, change can be unsettling, and the need to support both child and parent/carer increases. This is a well-worn path for our Practitioners, and it is a testament to them that they rise to meet the challenge head on.
Here at Garton House we are preparing for what we hope will be a bumper harvest, with lots of gifts to fill the store cupboard that stocks our food bank. The food that comes in at this time helps to tide us over into the spring of next year, as we build up supplies to support families through the winter months, when the pressure of heating and eating can become a financial nightmare for many of our families. If your church or your children’s (or grandchildren’s) school holds a Harvest Festival, you might like to suggest FSW as the recipient but please remember that we are unable to accept fresh food.
As summer draws to a close you will see in this newsletter that we have enjoyed a great season, with loads of activities for families to take part in. Much of this is thanks to you and the continuing support we receive. As always, we are very grateful for everything you do for FSW and our families — whether it’s a small tin of beans or a generous donation, every contribution helps us work together to bring lasting change to families’ lives.
Best wishes
Martin and the FSW Team
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The Impact of Your Support
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*Sue's family consists of six children, aged between 2 and 13 years. The three older children are not biologically related to Sue but she took them under her wing after they were removed from their biological mother due to her struggles with drug addiction.
FSW began supporting Sue two years ago when the family was evicted from their privately rented home after the landlord decided to sell the property. At that time, Sue and the father of her biological children were still together, but their relationship has since broken down, leaving Sue to care for all six children on her own. Over the past two years, the family has moved through various temporary accommodations and is currently living in a hotel with just two rooms and limited cooking facilities. Sue feels unsafe in this environment due to concerns about some of the other residents, which adds to her overall stress.
To manage meals, the family relies on a food delivery service from FSW, which is sent to a friend’s house where Sue takes the children every day to prepare their meals. Despite these challenges, the family remains hopeful about moving into a new Housing Association property soon. However, they currently have no furniture, not even beds to sleep in, no kitchen equipment, no fridge or washing machine. Efforts are underway to secure funding for these essential items to help Sue and the children settle into their new home.
The ongoing stress of these circumstances is taking a toll on Sue’s mental health and the children, particularly the younger ones, are themselves also suffering anxiety, having never known a stable home environment. Our continuing support eases some of this pressure and is helping Sue and her family transition to a more secure and stable living situation.
*Name has been changed to protect family identity |
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AGM on Wednesday 24th September
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Join us for The Family Support Work AGM on Wednesday 24 September 2025. Starting with a Eucharist at 11.00am. The AGM will then take place in the church from 12.30pm and will be followed by lunch.
The AGM is an opportunity find out what the future holds for the Association, to hear about the past year, and for FSW to hear your thoughts as we travel forward together.
If you would like a copy of the meeting agenda, Trustees' Report and Annual Accounts prior to the meeting, please contact Spencer ( spencer@familysupportwork.org.uk).
For catering purposes, please confirm your attendance with Spencer. His email is spencer@familysupportwork.org.uk or alternatively, he can be contacted on 01273 832963. Please also let him know should you have any special dietary requirements.
Location: St Thomas’ Church, Monks' Walk, Winchelsea TN36 4EB
Click here to view this event in our calendar
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Sing Me a Song for Summer
Saturday 13th September 7:30pm
A concert at St Andrew & St Cuthman's Church, Steyning in aid of FSW
More info and tickets here
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Summer Activities Round Up
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We’ve had a fantastic summer of events and activities with the families. There have been two Big Teddy Bear Picnics — one at Warnham and one at Ashburnham — as well as a quiet arts and crafts day at Berwick Church, activities at Arundel Castle Cricket Club, sailing for a group from Bognor, a visit to Lodge Hill for a group from Horsham, arts at Charleston, and days out at Aldingbourne, Knockhatch, Tilgate Park, Petworth Park and many other places.
The range of activities the children have experienced has been wide, giving them the chance to try things they had never done before. It has been wonderful to see them encouraging one another, even when they felt a little afraid. Swimming, archery, sailing, climbing, abseiling, sno-tubing, cricket, forest school, orienteering, pottery, watercolour painting, candle decorating, water play, ice play, trampolining — to name just a few.
And now, the children are adjusting to being back at school.
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Food Bank Update: Harvest Festival
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As we head into Harvest and prepare for the colder months, we’re stocking up on hearty, nourishing foods to deliver to local families.
Each food parcel we deliver provides the equivalent of a month’s food shop worth around £80. For an average family, that’s £80 saved — money that can instead go towards other essential costs like rent, bills, school uniforms, or heating.
 To donate or arrange a collection, email Spencer
(spencer@familysupportwork.org.uk) or call us on 01273 832963.
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Can you help? More volunteers are needed in the food bank over Harvest and Christmas. Call us on 01273 832 963.
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August is always a different month for us at FSW, with schools closed and families focused on the holidays. Much of our regular work pauses, though practitioners took children out to give parents a short break, while also taking a little holiday themselves. For many children, summer is a welcome break from school pressures, while for others the loss of routine can be difficult — making our summer activities all the more valuable. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Gemma our Trusts Manager has been securing grants for school uniforms, helping families with the high costs of specialist logoed items ready for September.
August's work in numbers:
- 134 visits to families
- 517 phone calls/remote support to 242 parents and 223 children
- 27 supported meetings with other agencies
- 44 group sessions, 618 adults and 546 children supported
- 66 food deliveries made.
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Everybody here at the FSW team wishes to express our gratitude to all the volunteers who supported us over the summer.
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"I just want to give a huge shoutout to all our volunteers! Your help this summer has been amazing, Whether it was organising events, lending a hand with resources, or just being there for our families, you all made a real impact. Your kindness, energy, and hard work have been the backbone of everything we've been able to do, and I’m so grateful for each and every one of you. Thank you."
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Jane Lyons
Community Engagement and Volunteer Co-ordinator
(West Sussex)
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For resources or for general enquiries please contact (01273) 832963 or email admin@familysupportwork.org.uk
Registered Charity No. 285337 Registered Company No.1648903 |
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