What are the benefits for families?
The families we support face a complex mixture of challenges and this often results in a reluctance to engage with services. This then leads to increased marginalisation which inevitably perpetuates existing problems. We endeavour to rebuild trust and create a conduit to other much-needed services in the community.
We have established a track record and profile that has been developed over the past 45 years and are a well-known and trusted organisation to service users and the wider community with referrals coming from Local Authorities, Schools, Domestic Abuse Services, Courts, Police, Probation services, and Housing Teams.
We work to help families create a positive future for themselves. The needs of each family are unique and varied, however, the one thing that never differs is the need for a roof over their heads and to feel safe.
Our families benefit from consistent targeted support from our Children and Family Mentors to address complex and often intergenerational challenges, including, but not only:
Family Breakdown
We support the whole family and encourage members to repair relationships, where this would help.
Domestic Abuse
We provide 24/7 security and a safe place for families to stay free from fear. We support the families through ‘The Gateway Programme’, understanding the impact and dynamics of controlling and abusive relationships, and the impact on children.
Alcohol and Substance Misuse
We signpost individuals to dependency services. Our families are mentored by staff to prevent relapse.
Debt
Our families are supported to manage their finances through workshops on budgeting.
Mental Health
We provide emotional support and support families, both adults and children to access therapeutic care.
Child Protection
We are actively involved in Care Plans, Child Protection, and Team Around the Family (TAF) meetings to coordinate a multi-agency response.
Parenting
Our parenting skills programme aims to break the cycle of poor parenting; parents work intensively with their children, guided by our team, to develop the skills and approach needed to make inroads into the development of positive relationships with their children.
Resettlement
Barriers to living independently are addressed with a focus on understanding how to make a tenancy work including identifying, securing, and managing a property.
Outreach
We remain accessible to our families and continue to support them in the community.
REAL LIFE STORIES
Families come to us for all sorts of reasons, often as a result of life events that are both varied and complex. Below are stories from ex-residents. All are true and present a very real picture of their situation before, during and after their stay with Save the Family.
STELLA
Stella’s story is not just about survival; it’s about resilience, strength, and the power of support. Her journey began in the shadows of fear and pain, but it’s now illuminated by the light of possibility and newfound optimism.
At the age of 28, Stella found herself trapped in a cycle of domestic abuse. The man she once loved had become a source of terror, as he abused Stella both physically and mentally. With two young children to protect, Stella made the brave decision to flee. With nothing but a few belongings and a heart heavy with uncertainty, she sought refuge in a shelter. Surrounded by compassionate individuals who understood her pain, she slowly began to rebuild her life. It wasn’t easy; there were nights when the memories of the past haunted her dreams, and days when the weight of the future felt overwhelming.
The refuge referred Stella and her children to Save the Family as we are a charity dedicated to helping families like Stella’s to get back on their feet, and often receive referrals from refuges. From the moment Stella was referred to us, she felt a sense of relief as she felt we not only offered her temporary shelter, but a lifeline towards a brighter future.
With the support of our staff here at Save the Family, Stella began to believe in herself and her own strength. But Stella’s journey wasn’t hers alone; it was a path she walked hand in hand with her children, who we also supported offering them stability, security, and a chance to flourish. With our help, Stella’s children thrived at their new local school, their laughter echoing through the halls as they made friends and discovered the joy of learning.
As the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, and with the guidance of Save the Family, Stella secured a job and began to prepare to move on with her family. Eventually, the moment Stella had been working towards arrived and she was handed the keys to her new home.
Stella’s story is a testament to both her hard work and resilience, and the work of the staff here at Save the Family and is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a flicker of hope waiting to be ignited.
Catherine
Catherine’s journey with Save the Family began when she was unfortunately evicted from her home due to her struggles with drug addiction. Catherine felt like she had hit rock bottom and was in an incredibly vulnerable position, but the staff here at Save the Family welcomed Catherine and her two children with open arms.
During her initial few weeks with Save the Family, Catherine accepted and welcomed the support provided to her and her children with unwavering determination. With the support of our mentors, support workers and children’s team, Catherine and her children are slowly rebuilding their lives.
Save the Family has a no-tolerance policy with drugs and alcohol, which has provided Catherine with a safe and supportive environment, enabling her to focus on herself and her children. The bond between Catherine and her children has flourished and they are all now forming cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
As time has moved on, Catherine is starting to feel more positive about the future, and we hope that our ongoing work with only help to improve her confidence. The road ahead will continue to be challenging for Catherine and her children, however our amazing staff here at Save the Family will continue to work with them daily and offer support and guidance in the areas they need.
This work can only be completed thanks to the amazing donations and funding we are so grateful to receive, and these will go a long way to helping Catherine and her children grow towards a brighter future.
What are the benefits for families?
The families we support face a complex mixture of challenges and this often results in a reluctance to engage with services. This then leads to increased marginalisation which inevitably perpetuates existing problems. We endeavour to rebuild trust and create a conduit to other much-needed services in the community. We have established a track record and profile that has been developed over the past 45 years and are a well-known and trusted organisation to service users and the wider community with referrals coming from Local Authorities, Schools, Domestic Abuse Services, Courts, Police, Probation services, and Housing Teams.
We work to help families create a positive future for themselves. The needs of each family are unique and varied, however, the one thing that never differs is the need for a roof over their heads and to feel safe. Our families
benefit from consistent targeted support from our Children and Family Mentors to address complex and often intergenerational challenges, including, but not only:
Costs relating to housing, homelessness and tenancy failure are reduced, because the risk of repeat homelessness is reduced
Decreased vulnerability, improved health, and more options on where and how to live
Greater stability – this is important in allowing homeless families to deal with other issues in their lives – education, unemployment, mental health problems and behavioural problems
Improved educational achievement – children are able to regularly attend the same school
Decreased social exclusion – homeless children are at greater risk of bullying and frequent moves can make them more isolated from their peers
Long-term benefits to children – better educational achievements and improved health outcomes in the long term
Families can be kept together
Other personal benefits that can be seen in the families themselves include:
Feeling safe and secure
Feeling part of the community
Improved physical and mental health
Contributing to the safety and well-being of self and others
Managing relationships
Leading a healthy and active lifestyle
Benefits for the wider community?
Government-estimated costs related to reducing homelessness vary widely. There is no one solution to resolving the issue as often the cause is subject to deep-rooted, inter-generational problems. However, the work that we do in helping people to sort out their lives and return to the outside world as productive individuals generates significant savings to wider society. In addition to this, many of those who leave Save the Family to take on tenancies and paid work are less likely to go back to claiming high levels of Universal Credit.