News
This is where you can keep up with what's going on within family friends.
What's Love Got To Do With It
What's love got to do with it?
Everything! We witness countless expressions of love weaving through our ecosystem.
There's the palpable love our incredible volunteers extend to our families and supporting the charity—through their time, energy, empathy, and willingness to challenge norms.
We see it in the families who welcome us into their lives, sharing the complexities and often challenging dynamics of family relationships.
Love shines through in the passion of meetings with various services, all collaborating for the welfare of families.
Our staff embody this love, going above and beyond every single day—from addressing late-night safeguarding concerns to tackling the endless stream of requests that sit outside what we are meant to be doing...
Indeed, love in its various forms is the backbone of the voluntary sector—a silent, yet powerful force threading through the fabric of statutory services.
Love is never more profound than in moments of sheer anguish; a parent pushed to their limit, a volunteer at a loss on how to make a difference...
Love is the strength to suspend judgment when faced with a parenting style that challenges our own beliefs.
Love is the trust a young person places in us, finally voicing their deepest thoughts and fears.
So, yes, despite all of Valentines days commercial contradictions, we still believe it's worth nodding to love and its importance, power and presence in all we do ❤️
Befriending: What is it?
Our families, despite being in a city brimming with potential connections, face a profound sense of isolation. This isolation, stemming from a myriad of challenging circumstances, often places them on the fringes. Its where our wonderful Befrienders come in, it is not just about casual friendship; it's a lifeline. It's about forging connections with purpose and understanding, within defined boundaries.
At its core, befriending embodies the strength and complexity of friendship, enhanced by clear guidelines and mutual respect. It requires a delicate balance, navigating a relationship where personal connections thrive within a structured framework. This forms the bedrock of a relationship that can be transformative for both the volunteer and the young person.
Our inspiring Big Buddies and Befrienders embark on a journey that isn't just about casual meet-ups. It's a commitment of up to a year - a dedication to work that's as rewarding as it is challenging. They connect with parents and young people, many of whom have fortified themselves with layers of defense, guarding against a world that hasn't always been kind. These are individuals often isolated for various reasons – from personal struggles to the broader impacts of a cost-of-living crisis that has turned their homes into increasingly stressful environments.
The core of why this works lies in this long-term commitment. It's not a fleeting interaction but a steady presence in the lives of the families that we serve. Our Big Buddies and Befrienders aren't just spending time; they're investing it – in building trust, breaking down walls, and nurturing growth.
One of our Big Buddies; Olivia wrote about her experience here My Experience with Family & Friends: Volunteering as a Big Buddy, Olivia's story is a testament to the transformative power of these relationships. It's not just about what she brought to her young person's life, but also about the invaluable insights and fulfillment she gained in return.
This kind of volunteering isn't for everyone. It demands patience, empathy, and resilience. But for those who step into this role, the rewards are immense. They're not just helping shape a person's life; they're also witnessing an incredible transformation – a shared journey that leaves lasting imprints on both lives.
As we continue to navigate these challenging times, the importance of this work cannot be overstated. Each connection, each shared journey, is a step towards a more understanding and compassionate world. We're not just seeking volunteers; we're looking for dedicated individuals ready to make a meaningful difference, just like Olivia did.
Please get in touch if you fancy taking up the challenge in 2024!
30th Anniversary Celebration Video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lzbI7hNBfg
We're excited to share a glimpse of our fantastic 30th anniversary celebration through this special video. It was a night filled with joy, music, and community spirit, perfectly capturing the essence of our journey over the last three decades.
Special thanks to the @UFO band for their incredible music, keeping the energy high and the rhythm flowing all night. We couldn't have asked for a better soundtrack to our celebration!
A heartfelt shoutout to the young creatives who captured these beautiful moments – our talented videographer and photographer, @afrotography and @noahrdblack. Your skill and vision have given us memories to cherish forever.
As you enjoy the video, we hope you feel the excitement and happiness that filled the air. Here's to another 30 years of making a difference and creating more unforgettable memories!
Thank you for your support and for being part of our story.
30th Anniversary Celebrations!
What an incredible 30th anniversary celebration! Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for everyone who came together with us to share in this unforgettable evening. It was a night of pure joy. The event was a beautiful amalgamation of treasured memories, reflections on the past, explorations of the present, and dialogues about our collective future.
We wish to extend our deepest appreciation to our remarkable speakers, whose words resonated with both wisdom and passion. Each of you imparted invaluable insights that have left an indelible mark on all of us. It's a sentiment we often express and a philosophy we hold dear - we feel truly honored and privileged when a family opens their doors to us, allowing us to become a part of their lives and share in their stories. Such an act requires immense courage and trust, and we are profoundly grateful for this trust placed in us.
Thank you to all of our performers; Heaven sent, who kicked our evening off with their amazing vocals and the fantastic UFO steelband who provided a perfect soundtrack to a wonderful evening.
A special mention goes out to our lifeblood - our volunteers. On this night, we celebrated the dedication of two of our longest-standing volunteers, Chris and Manijeh. Also, wonderful Minnie who wrote a special poem for Family Friends. Their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts have been instrumental in fostering a sense of support, and warmth within our community.
As you look through photographs, we hope they reflect the essence of what we all experienced on this remarkable night: a tapestry of celebration, harmonious melodies, the bonds of friendship, and the depth of meaningful conversations. These images mirror the spirit of Family Friends - a vibrant and united community that rallies to support one another, honoring the strength it takes to open our hearts and share our stories.
Thank you to all the kind local businesses who supported our evening; Their Nibs, Stella McCartney, So media, Avalon flowers, Wahaca Innocent
We are thrilled that Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones has taken the time to send this congratulatory message to Family Friends on reaching our 30th anniversary.
We are thrilled that @MickJagger of the @RollingStones has taken the time to send this congratulatory message to @Family_Friends1 on reaching our 30th anniversary. Please donate https://t.co/xb76ZNJ7bk pic.twitter.com/NzKMgIiOcW
— Family Friends (@Family_Friends1) October 3, 2023
In 1993, Family Friends was born, ignited by the incredible vision and tenacity of our founder, Sheila Paget. Sheila's unwavering commitment to early intervention and her profound empathy for those in need set the stage for something truly extraordinary.
As we reflect on the journey that led to our inception, we are reminded of Sheila's remarkable compassion. She began her mission by reaching out to young people residing in the local Barnardo's home in her neighborhood. Her heart was moved by their stories, their struggles, and their estrangement from their families.
Sheila's curiosity knew no bounds, and she couldn't help but wonder what had led these young souls to such isolation. Like many who embark on grassroots charitable endeavors, she was driven by an unshakeable desire to make a difference.
Sheila embarked on a mission to rally her friends and local residents, urging them to volunteer and extend a helping hand to families in need. Her message was clear: "Help them help themselves." This philosophy, born in the early days of Family Friends, remains the bedrock of our mission even today.
Our philosophy then, as it is now, is that every family has the inner strength to overcome their challenges. Life often throws hurdles our way, and while some families have the support systems, extended networks, financial stability, and essentials to weather the storms, others do not.
Sheila's insight was a guiding light. She saw the potential in every family, recognising that with a little support, they could find their way through the toughest times.
This year, Sheila visited us at our new offices beneath the Westway. Her presence reignited our memories of her interactions with young people, her insatiable curiosity, and her enduring compassion.
Sheila shared stories of outings, simple acts like walking to the park, lending a hand with the dishes, helping with homework, or just engaging in heartfelt conversations about friends. These seemingly mundane acts were etched in her memory as vividly as if they had happened yesterday.
Today, while our role may have evolved from early intervention to a more supportive one, our commitment to inquiry and our unwavering faith in the power of family remains unshaken. Families now often come to us for guidance, seeking a step-down approach to their struggles. Our volunteers play a pivotal role, offering a series of seemingly small interventions that carry immense transformative power.
For our families, these moments are anything but ordinary. They are lifelines. They are the keys to unlocking mental well-being, to rebuilding relationships, and to rediscovering hope.
Our befriending volunteers are the unsung heroes in this narrative. They step into the lives of our families, offering a hand of friendship, support, and understanding. To allow a stranger to become part of your life, especially during moments of vulnerability, is a testament to the resilience and strength of the families we serve.
Sheila's legacy lives on through our charity, and her unwavering belief in the power of family continues to inspire us. The small acts of kindness, the heartfelt conversations, and the willingness to walk alongside our families make all the difference in the world.
It is with profound gratitude that we cherish Sheila's ongoing involvement with the charity she founded 30 years ago. Her spirit infuses every aspect of our work, reminding us that love, compassion, and small but meaningful interventions can heal and transform lives.
For most of us who lead small to medium-sized charities, securing corporate support often feels like hunting for a hidden treasure. It's a daily struggle to stay afloat. We may not boast extravagant budgets or glossy promotional materials, but our commitment to excellent grassroots work remains steadfast. However, the challenge lies in how we extend our reach, particularly when there's no designated individual to capture the perfect image during those precious moments when ten mums gather for coffee with our family connector. I eagerly overhear and ask the question ‘did you manage to take a photo’... I know the answer, I need no apology, our staff are resolutely focused on providing support to our families and volunteers, they have heard me before asking for a wishful photo....
I understand why we have to come up with many unique ways of showing the impact of our work.. and in todays 'content is king' culture I recognise that part of our role as a small charity involves digitally connecting with potential funders, volunteers and families alike.
So, how do we do it? And is there a one-size-fits-all solution that speaks to each of our stakeholders? Currently we rely on people, families saying yes to agreeing to let us work with them, volunteers taking up the challenge of a long and intense commitment and then for supporters? Again it is reliant on word of mouth, like the wonderful new volunteer who joined us last week and nominated us as another organisation's "charity of the year," or a Trustee who heard of an event that might be of interest… (thank you Catherine!)
Enter the BNP Paribas Hackathon! When the extraordinary opportunity to participate in their hackathon arose, we eagerly seized it. Often 'in-kind' participation for charities of our size is a painted wall, a 10 person team helping at an event (all of those welcome by the way) but this was something tangible, that perfectly timed with the publication of our three year strategic plan. For charities like ours, it's about finding the right support – something that aligns with our values and protects the privacy of the families we serve.
This is where corporate support becomes truly transformative. The Hackathon enthusiastically adopted the 'Action Learning' coaching methodology, immersing ourselves in the world of inquiry, reminiscent of a curious child continually asking 'why.' Instead of jumping to quick solutions, we allowed ourselves to linger in the uncertainty, questioning deeply. This approach encouraged a more profound exploration of the real dilemma at hand, sparking a transformation that unfolded like a captivating story. It wasn't easy but we were empowered by the focus on practical solutions to real challenges, especially in advancing our digital delivery. Over five intense, exhilarating days, we engaged in a hackathon-style collaboration, guided by five esteemed leaders from within BNP Paribas (International bank). Together, we delved deep into the intricacies of our (lack of) digital delivery, hacking away at challenges and envisioning innovative solutions.
Led by the exceptional coach Amy from Be-leadership, we navigated a dynamic journey filled with challenges and laughter, ultimately arriving at a clear roadmap that seamlessly integrates with our grassroots charity's mission. As our chair often emphasises, "Evolution, not revolution”
We now have a plan, and the phone numbers of five extremely busy people who won’t mind me picking their marvellous brains... thank you BNP Paribas and Be Leadership!
We are currently recruiting for new volunteers to work with local families in need,
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Are you someone who can offer a listening ear?
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Are you able to withhold judgement?
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Do you like trying new things?
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Can you spare a few hours weekly or fortnightly?
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Are you able to travel in to Central West London?
If YES then we would love to hear from you, for an informal chat - please drop a line to volunteer@familyfriends.uk.com
The next training dates are TBC, both day 1 and day 2 MUST be completed
I was introduced to Family Friends many years ago. It was perfect timing; I had been looking for a fulfilling challenge to do in my spare time and I have not looked back since becoming involved. I have been fortunate enough to work with three lovely families as a volunteer and served as a trustee for the past seven years. I have learned a lot and met some really great people along the way.
One of the main lessons I learned is never to underestimate the value of a visit for either the family or a volunteer. It doesn't seem a lot, after all it is only an hour or two per week, but sometimes by simply being there I was appreciated. Even on the odd visit when it wasn't easy, I always came away feeling much better for it. I looked forward to the visit every week and considered it a true privilege to be able to help, and to be trusted and valued in the role by both the family and the charity.
The training and ongoing support given by Family Friends played a crucial role for me, not just in my volunteering, where without it I would not have had the confidence nor experience to help a family, but I have also been able to use some of the skills and techniques in my own family.
I like to think I made a difference to the families I worked with and I have benefited in many ways too.
You could say it's been a win-win situation for us all.
George Smith
Trustee