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. More information about funding and how to donate to the Charity are on the second page of this newsletter.
News and Events
It’s been a spectacular quarter for fundraising since the last newsletter in July 2025. Around £6000 has been raised including two huge sponsorship contributions from Anna’s ultra marathon (£2915 including gift aid) and the sky dive undertaken by Harry and Matt (£1625 including gift aid). In addition, around £1400 has been raised through a bingo evening, contributions in the bistro collection boxes at the four homes, another sponsorship contribution from Irene Wilson as well as a generous donation in memory of a recent resident. The Charity continues to support two residents.
Fundraising Super Stars
Our next quiz night is being held at Farnham Mill from 7pm on Tuesday 28th October. The cost, to include drinks and snacks, is £5 and tables can be booked now through the any of the home receptionists or by emailing: lauren.stoneman@woodlands-hillbrow.co.uk.
Fundraising
For future events, we are also looking for raffle prizes so, if anyone would like to donate something, please leave items with any of the home receptionists for us to collect.
Our fundraising portfolio continues to include www.givinglottery.org.uk. This allows anyone interested in a monthly flutter the opportunity to support Families Supporting Care who will receive 40% of subscriptions. The site also includes a regular “Super Draw” that’s always worth considering.
You can play by going to the site above and searching for “Care Home Residents” or through the link at: www.familiessupportingcare.org.
Bistro Boxes and The Importance of Donations
Apart from fundraising events, donations from residents’ families are an essential source of income for the Charity. Key to this are the collection mini-buckets alongside each of the“Bistro” counters at the 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 poster and mini-bucket has our “Just Giving” QR code so there’s every opportunity to help us. Additionally, ad hoc contributions are always welcome – for example, legacy donations.
Information about the options available can be obtained from any of the trustees.
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.
Contributors can also be made using the Charity’s “Just Giving” page (ideally with gift aid) at: https://familiessupportingcare.org. We are very grateful for all monies received, whatever the source. Our QR code for donations is below.
Trustees and Further Information
The Charity is managed by the following trustees who can be contacted through the main Woodlands-Hillbrow reception desk or via email using the address below. If any reader would like to join us, please get in touch with the secretary or chairman at the email address below or ask any of the home receptionists to pass on your details to us.
Elizabeth Butt – Honorary President
Derek Dunthorne – Chairman
Helen Gould – Secretary
Andrew Day – Treasurer
Michael Ferguson
Paul Mannering
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
- Quiz night at Farnham Mill – Tuesday 28th October at 7pm
- Christmas Quiz at Hill House – Tuesday 2nd December at 7pm