A massive thank you goes out to Anna Chester who recently set up a birthday fundraising page to support Haven’s family ‘picnic at home’ summer party. Anna's fundraising page has so far raised an amazing £471.50.

At this time of year, we’re usually busy planning summer activities. Our 2019 trip was a big family day out at Cleethorpes but with lockdown and social distancing restrictions in place this year, we’ve been looking at other alternatives.

Living in lockdown is difficult for all of us, but it’s particularly challenging for children who are living with or who have experienced domestic abuse. Having a ‘picnic at home’ is one way for the children, young people and their families to stay connected, feel less isolated and create happy memories.
 

More information about the ‘picnic at home’

The picnic will take place in the summer at each family’s own home, or a park nearby (observing social distancing). Each family will receive a picnic basket, which we estimate will cost around £20, and a picnic blanket kindly donated by our team of knitters.

An invitation will be sent to all the families we are currently working with (around 50) and, in the weeks building up to the picnic, the family will receive a picnic themed activity, for example, making bunting, baking a cake or building a den. This will give the children and young people something to look forward to every week and also help to keep them occupied.

There will be competitions with prizes for the activities and, on the actual day, the families will receive something a little extra special. We’ll also be asking families to send in ‘safe’ pictures which will be displayed on our website so that everyone can see what other people have been up to.
 

How do the fundraising donations help?

The money raised through appeals like Anna’s is vital to our service and goes towards providing additional support such as fun activities which help with the wellbeing of our children and young people and bring a smile to their faces.

Some of the children we work with have responsibilities far beyond their age and their memories can be challenging and traumatic. We really do appreciate every donation which helps us to provide some happy and positive experiences.
 

How can you get involved?

Anna’s birthday fundraising page can be found via this link

Alternatively, you can set up your own fundraising page here

We’ll be posting regular updates on our website and social media platforms, so make sure you follow them to stay in touch with what’s happening.