HOME-FACTS   Spring Newsletter 2007

 

CHEERS

We would like to raise a toast to our latest group of volunteers!

As you read this many will already be visiting their families and providing the unique blend of friendship and practical help which Home-Start offers.  We hope the relationships they develop will prove mutually beneficial and that, thanks to our scheme, the New Year will mean New Friends for many more around Crawley and Horsham.

Here’s to you!!  Sharon, Jo, Angela, Linda, Anne, Jackie, Sylvia, Sue, Brenda, Sarah S, Sarah T, Sandra, Bernadette, Norma.

When all of these are matched we will have approximately 60 Home-Visiting Volunteers, 10 Family Group Helpers, 1 Office Helper and 6 Trustees!

 

VOLUNTEER TRAINING DAY: DEPRESSION

Recently a number of volunteers and staff attended an interesting and informative session around the topic of Depression. The day was led by two specialist Health Visitors and covered all aspects of Depression including PND and depression in childhood.

If you would like a copy of the information pack or simply to talk to someone about this common condition please mention it to your volunteer or contact the office

 

SHELTER

Many parents will be aware that this charity provides independent and confidential free housing advice and advocacy services.

A new worker, Mark Diamond, has recently been appointed as Homelessness Prevention Worker.

Any family in Crawley wishing to discuss their situation with him are welcome to meet him at the following venue:

DROP-IN SURGERY At Crawley Borough Council’s Property Shop, Town Hall

THURSDAYS (starting Feb.15th) 10.00am– - 1.00pm  & 2.00 – 4.00pm

 

ADVANCE NOTICE  - FAMILY OUTING TO HOLMBUSH FARM : 18TH JULY 07

Last year  we had a great day out at Holmbush and have decided to repeat the outing this year.

All families welcome –so please mark it down in your diary! Details to follow…...

 

Calling All Golfers!  Charity Golf Day on behalf of Home-Start

Cottesmore Golf Club

Monday March 26th 2007

£40 per person including meal

For further information & to book a place

Contact Andy Dean on 01293 412816

 

DROP IN GROUP

As you will know we do not yet have a Family Group in Horsham itself – but we have heard of a new one which you might like to attend. Here are the details:

HARWOOD HOUSE FAMILY CENTRE, KINGS ROAD FRIDAY MORNINGS 9.15 –11.30am

For parents with children aged 0-5yrs

An opportunity to chat and relax while the children play.!

Friendly staff team! Drinks and biscuits provided!

                        TEL: 01403 246437

 

 

USEFUL NUMBERS

ICIS can help you find where to go, what to do and who can help. FREE INFORMATION SERVICE: 0800 859929

CIS can provide you with details of all approved pre-school groups: and child minders 01243 777807

CARERS CALL UP  If you are caring for an adult family member or close friend who has a terminal illness and you are feeling isolated or in need of advice you may find this service invaluable .Contact Gill Ersser at Carers Liaison Service  01903 528629

 

USEFUL THOUGHTS

A child that lives with ridicule learns to be timid

A child that lives with criticism learns to condemn

A child that lives with distrust learns to be deceitful

A child that lives with antagonism learns to be hostile

 

A child that lives with affection learns to love

A child that lives with encouragement learns confidence

A child that lives with truth learns justice

A child that lives with praise learns to appreciate

A child that lives with knowledge learns wisdom

A child that lives with patience learns to be tolerant

A child that lives with happiness will find love and beauty.

 

Can you help? A plea from the National Blood Service

The National Blood Service (NBS) is encouraging people to make a New Year resolution to donate blood in 2007. People who have never given blood before are being urged by the NBS to make the New Year the time to begin.

 

Support is needed from the public to boost blood supplies back up to a healthy level after stocks dipped by up to 10 percent over Christmas. Existing blood donors who have been invited to attend January and February blood donor sessions are being encouraged to make an extra effort to keep their appointment. 

 

Miranda Lacaze, Communications Officer for the National Blood Service said , “Many people don’t realise that blood products have a very short shelf life – as little as five days for some products – which means our stocks need to be constantly replenished.  We need to collect 8000 donations every day to meet hospital demand.  Deciding to become a life saving blood donor is the greatest New Year resolution you can make. 

 

``It’s an easy resolution to keep because giving blood takes just an hour of your day, three times a year, and there are hundreds of donor sessions taking place every day across the country. Currently only 5 percent of the eligible population give blood so we’re appealing to the other 95 percent in England and north Wales to come forward and help us save lives in 2007.’’ It is possible to give blood every 16 weeks (three times a year). Most people aged between 17 – 60 who weigh over 7st 12lbs (50kg) and are in general good health, can give blood. Regular donors can continue to donate up to the age of 70.”

For information on becoming a blood donor, or to locate a session close to you: contact the national helpline on  0845 7711 711 or visit www.blood.co.uk

 

SECOND ANNUAL Evening of Entertainment’!!!

Saturday 17th November 2007

Following the huge success of our first concert we are already preparing for this year’s event.

Please contact the office if you would like to take part or if you know anyone who would make a class act!. It’s great fun – and a golden opportunity for would be entertainers!

GET YOUR NAME IN & START PREPARING FOR THE AUDITIONS!!