Reaching out with Family Support in our neighbourhood

We all know how tough it can be out there right now with rising food and petrol prices, withdrawal of some benefits ,and limited savings to name just a few.

However for many families there are additional pressures becoming hurt and broken through divorce, desertion, illness and bereavement, leaving usually, one parent or in some instances, a grandparent, coping alone with distressed children, their own emotional fragility and very limited financial resources.

There is help at hand from a private charity called the ‘Chichester Diocesan Association for Family Support Work’

Its Mission statement is “In accordance with the Lord’s Command to care for those in difficulty, the parishes of the Diocese of Chichester, combine through the Association, to help hurt and broken families”.

The Association employs trained, professional workers in some, but not all Deaneries and we are very fortunate to have in our Deanery Ann Ward, who is an inspirational worker.

Families are referred by Churches, schools, solicitors and can also contact the Association themselves and do so when they have seen the benefit it has brought to others.

Unlike Social Services, the workers are able to stay alongside a family offering practical and emotional support, until the crisis has lessened and the worker feels that the family is moving forward, but she is always there in case of need.

The Association is a private charity, administered from Church House in Hove and most Churches make a small contribution to running costs, the remainder has to be achieved through grants and Deanery fund raising.
However with the recession, some grants coming to an end and no new ones available, the Association finds itself in a perilous financial situation.

All Saints Church is extremely generous with large food donations at Harvest, gifts of food on a regular basis and wonderful toys and presents at Christmas.  Ann Ward says “ it is quite something to be able to put some food on an otherwise empty table and to know the joy that presents will bring to disadvantaged families .The recipients are surprised at the generosity of people to whom they are unknown. I see the Association as the Church at work in the community and the contact I have with families if often the only contact they have with anyone demonstrating faith and the love of God.”

It is hoped that prayers will be answered and funds will become available so that this vital work can continue. If you would like to help please contact Church Administrator Melanie Churchyard  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
01323 732823

Nesta Peate