Introduction
Welcome to the autumn newsletter of Families Supporting Care. The charity – which was formed in 2011 – aims to help support residents whose funds have diminished and might otherwise have to move out of the environment to which they have become accustomed. Since its formation, the charity has helped over 60 people.
Funding including Donations
The charity raises money by organising regular events such as quarterly family quiz nights – usually in January, April, July and October. Details are published well in advance and venues vary between the homes to allow residents to join in where they wish to do so. The charity also runs fund-raising stalls at other events – e.g. barbecues – arranged by the three homes.
Donations from residents’ families are an important source of income. One very visible means is the collection box alongside each of the“bistro” counters at the three homes where tea, coffee, soft drinks along with cakes and biscuits are provided for visitors and residents. If visitors don’t have any cash with them, each box has a QR code so there’s no excuse for missing the opportunity to help us. Suggested donations are £1 for coffee, tea and each snack item but anything folk can manage would be much appreciated.
Additionally, ad hoc contributions are always welcome – for example, legacy donations. Information about the options available can be obtained from any of the trustees – details below – or, in the case of the bistros, the local home receptionists.
Donations can of course be augmented through the use of Gift Aid where individuals qualify to make use of that facility. Specifically, each donation gift-aided means an extra 25% can be claimed back from HMRC – a sum that can be significant over the course of a year. The charity also has its own ‘Just Giving’ page where donations can be made, ideally with gift aid: https://familiessupportingcare.org. Unfortunately, Gift Aid does not supply us with details of individual donations. However, we are grateful to everyone who donates even when we are unable to acknowledge all of them with our usual letter of thanks.
To summarise, the charity depends entirely on the support of residents’ families which is why we are always very grateful for every donation received. Thanks therefore to all who have made donations so far through whichever medium outlined above; please continue the good work. And do make a point of looking out for the bistro counter boxes.
Events
The charity was involved in several events during the summer including barbecues and garden parties at Woodlands, Farnham Mill and Hill House raising over £625 through raffles and various stalls.
The next quiz night will be held on Wednesday 16th October at Farnham Mill – see separate poster issued recently for booking information. We are also planning a Bingo afternoon from 3pm on Wednesday 29th January 2025 at Woodlands.
More generally, the trustees are always thinking about new fundraising events.Perhaps the most interesting and ambitious is the possibility of a sponsored sky diving event in 2025. We are keen to hear from anyone interested in taking part in such an event, or in providing dedicated sponsorship up front in return for naming rights. Once again, contact can be made with any of the trustees or with the individual home receptionist who will pass on details.
The Charity is also keen to hear ideas from residents’ families so, if you have any suggestions for a future fundraising event, please do get in touch with any of the trustees.
Trustees and Further Information
The Charity is managed by the following trustees who can be contacted through the main Woodlands-Hillbrow reception desk.
- Elizabeth Butt – Chair
- Helen Gould – Secretary
- Andrew Day – Treasurer
- Stewart Black
- Derek Dunthorne – Newsletter Editor
- Michael Ferguson
- David Maxted
- Irene Wilson
More information about the Charity can be found at: www.familiessupportingcare.org.
Emails can be sent to: info@familiessupportingcare.org.
Social media presence is at: facebook.com/FamiliesSupportingCare. A leaflet is also available at the Woodlands, Hillbrow, Hillhouse and Farnham Mill care homes.
Dates for Diary
- 16th October @ 7:00pm – Families Quiz Night at Farnham Mill
- 29th January @ 3:00pm – Bingo at Woodlands
Families Supporting Care, October 2024