Continuity for families in transition year: Annual Report 2023 - 2024

The focus this year has been to maintain the continuity of existing service provision, coordinated by the existing outings coordinator who has extended her role to project coordinator.

This year we provided direct support services to 38 families, 98 individuals; 39 parents/carers and 59 children, through a team of 16 volunteers. We organized 18 outings during school holidays. Each school holiday an average of 53 children were invited, with an average of 35 children attending through the support of 10 volunteers each holiday.

We continue to offer a varied activities programme to provide new opportunities and experiences. This year's outings included a trip to a theme park, aqua splash swimming, bowling, ice skating, and laser quest. In lieu of our usual Christmas party, we attended a winter festive event at Excel London, with opportunities for photographs with Christmas Trees and Nutcracker, to share with families, fairground ride, and the highlight a performance by Circus Cortex, whose illusions and thrilling acrobatics captivated the children, many of whom had never experienced a circus before. Our newly formed group,

for 0-3 year olds, enjoyed a visit to a Christmas Frost Fair at the Museum of London Docklands. Both Christmas events concluded with the distribution of Christmas gifts.

The recent family annual review, was completed by 80% of the families. We received positive feedback from 92% regarding the enrichment of their child’s well-being through our outings and 75% say the outings have increased their child’s confidence. A selection of the feedback shared from parents about the difference outings has made for their children:

"They tell me everything about their day out when they come home and then talk about it for days, I wish I could go on the outings too".

"Exposure - my son goes to places I have never even imagined to go I’m happy my son gets to do outings and go out to see places and make friends. Volunteers are amazing keeps me up to date on any upcoming events. Excellent support thank you."

‘My children always look forward to these outings , and write about them in their English school homework.’

‘My son's life has changed since we met S, every time is very happy when he goes on the trip with them, but he is very impatient every half-term for a new adventure’.

‘I appreciate the support being given to my child because if it weren’t for the charity I would not be able to afford to take my child places where she has been and she enjoys going on outings and has made a good friend. Thank you for all of your support.’

‘Outings have made a huge difference to our family I’m a single mum with more health problems, I get break from the kids for the whole day.’

"My child has ‘gained social skills’"

‘Grateful for these trips. My children have made friends, have visited places that I wouldn't have had a chance to take them.’

This year we received 3 new family referrals and closed 6 families whose children turned 18 years and are moving on to next steps. We have recruited 3 new volunteers who will be starting in summer 2024.

The trustees held a charity celebration in June 2023 with volunteer team and members marking the transition with Rowena stepping down from 19 years establishing and leading the work in East London and all that had been achieved over this time. Annual safeguarding training event was completed in May 2023.

Reporting on Finances for 2023-2024:

Our income was reduced by 34% this year, a reduction anticipated in our budget due to the conclusion of a three-year funding arrangement and the departure of the previous service director. The majority of our regular donors have continued to give through the transition, providing a stable base for ongoing work. Our planned expenditure was proportionately reduced to match our anticipated income, primarily through reduced staffing hours and no residential trips were undertaken this year.

The Directors appreciate the support of all the churches, individual donors, and grant trusts who contribute to making our work with families possible. We are grateful for ongoing grant funding from the MacDonald Family Trust and Magic Little Grants towards active outings.