social responsibility Projects
Eastside Family Support Project
The Cymorth Fund finances this project, which is part of a network of 14 Sure Start Projects in Swansea.
The project is based in a council property in the heart of one of the most disadvantaged estates in Swansea. In addition to the Outreach and Development Worker and Administrator, the Sure Start Health Development Worker for the Eastside is based in these offices.
- The aims of the project are:
- Support for individual families in need
- Support for other local organisations and informal groups working with young families
- Identification of gaps in local provision for young families
- Encouragement for those parents who want to return to learn or to employment to access suitable training, placements, childcare and transport.
Over 300 individual families, have been supported since the project started 7 years ago, 60 of whom have been supported in the last year. The types of support available include: - accessing grants for equipment /furnishings, relocation/housing problems, benefits advice, keeping medical appointments, securing playgroup or childcare placements and individual support for parenting problems. This support may last for many months or entail just one visit. In conjunction with Bonymaen Family Centre 3 local people have been supported on childcare placements during the last 12 months.
The team has worked with 18 different groups and local organisations over the last 12 months. This year the team has continued to support groups in Llansamlet ward. Research by the Communities that Care Disadvantaged Neighbourhood Steering Group had identified a dearth of services for young families in the ward. A parent and toddler group and a Language and Play or parenting support group have been run each week during term time.
One group supported by our project is the Eastside Childsafe Project that provides free safety equipment and training to families in need across the Eastside. This work has received a boost this year when the Diocesan Mothers’ Union decided to make child safety one of their priorities. With funds received from them the project is now working in St Thomas ward. The project was launched in March with an event supported by the Health Visitors, Environmental Health, the Fire Brigade and Healthy Directions.
We have also been targeting services for 5 – 11 year olds out of school hours including running a monthly ‘Blue Light Disco’ for 8 -12 year olds in partnership with the Community Police and facilitating community events during school holidays.
This year 4 local families will enjoy a free holiday provided by the Mothers’ Union.
- Staff Team
- Nicola Ward Outreach and Development Worker
- Mandi Samson Development Assistant
- Sue Thompson Sessional Childcare
- Anne Griffiths Admin. Assistant