Safe Families
We are pleased to be partnering with Safe Families, a charity that works across the UK offering hope, belonging and support to children and families. Our Belfrey Safe Families service matches volunteers with referred families in the community who are going through a tough time, to provide support and friendship; just like a good friend, neighbour or grandparent would.
Mandy Smith, our Children and Families Outreach Worker, heads up this service, working closely with the Safe Families UK team.
We will initially be taking family referrals from local schools in York. We have two partner schools already signed up: Westfield Primary School and Copmanthorpe Primary School. Contact safefamilies@belfrey.org for more information about becoming a partner school.
To give your time and skills:
Connecting with a family, as a Belfrey Safe Families volunteer, is an incredible way to make a difference to families who may be overwhelmed by their circumstances. We have three roles available:
Family Friends work directly with families, coming alongside and giving support to parents and children when they need it most, making sure they feel less isolated.
Family Friends With At Home Care gives volunteers the flexibility to take children back to their home for a play session or activity such as baking or craft. This helps to give families a regular short break and space to be themselves.
Resource Friends are individuals who are able to provide (or transport) useful items, such as a cot or children’s clothing. We also welcome those with practical skills, such as cooking or gardening.
If you are interested in volunteering with Belfrey Safe Families, we’d love to hear from you. As part of our volunteer team, you will be given some helpful, relevant training and ongoing support. Please get in touch with Mandy at safefamilies@belfrey.org to find out more.
To give through prayer:
We have a dedicated prayer group that meets once a month to pray for the work of Safe Families, along with a WhatsApp group for regular updates. For more information about these please contact Mandy on safefamilies@belfrey.org.
To give financially:
Belfrey Safe Families is fully funded until 2026 through our Social Transformation Programme and Post Pandemic Fund, but if you would like to give to the Belfrey for the work of Belfrey Safe Families, please contact Jessie Hendry Gooding at jessie.hendrygooding@belfrey.org.
You can offer financial support to the work of Safe Families UK here.