Dear Friends,
The start of 2026 has been challenging for Family Support Work due to a reduction in funding, which has required us to make difficult changes to how we operate. We have reorganised our practitioner areas so we can continue to cover the same geographical reach with fewer staff. Sadly, this has resulted in two redundancies and one retirement.
We have delayed these changes for as long as possible, and while we may now support slightly fewer families, our commitment remains the same. We are determined that the quality and impact of our work will continue to be as strong as ever. For more information about our new practitioner areas, please visit our website: (http://www.familysupportwork.org/what-we-do/our-services/)
One family recently arrived in the UK and were moved from hotel accommodation into emergency housing with no local support network. They are grieving the loss of a child and sibling, navigating a significant language barrier, and struggling with disrupted routines and emotional distress. The practitioner has been providing practical support, emotional reassurance, and advocacy across housing, education, and health. Her work has been essential in helping the mother manage her MS diagnosis, stabilise day-to-day routines, and secure progress towards school re-engagement for the six-year-old, whose wellbeing has declined since being out of education.
Family Support Work is inviting individuals to support local mums by donating a small financial gift that can be used to support mothers facing challenging circumstances across Sussex. We are also encouraging a simple Lent declutter set aside good-quality clothing to donate to our charity shop, helping raise vital funds for families. Looking ahead to Easter, we will also be grateful for donations of Easter eggs so children we support can enjoy a treat. Every gift makes a real difference to local families.
Forthcoming events: The Mayor of Seaford’s Charity Lunch – 28 March, Eastbourne Gala Dinner – 11 April, Family Support Work at Arlington Bluebell Walk – 17 April, Open Gardens, Old Rectory, Warbleton – 23 April. For more info, email admin@familysupportwork.org.uk or see our events calendar: www.familysupportwork.org/eventss/
Hannah Rothwell,
Digital Communications and Fundraising,
Office tel: 01273 832963