ALDI BRETTON - PETERBOROUGH

Families First Peterborough CIC works with children, families and young people in Bretton, Peterborough many of whom are economically disadvantaged. We are always looking for support to enable us to sustain the free services that we deliver from our base.  We work with children and young people from low-income families, who are experiencing a variety of challenges including, additional needs, obesity, isolation & loneliness, mental ill-health and social exclusion. Some are care leavers and asylum seekers. Through our services, which include, youth work, open access play sessions, school holiday activities, community events, free family fun days and small group work, we support children and young people at Crofts Corner. Our sessions include free meals and we also have been involved in delivering food parcels to the vulnerable. Any food donations would be welcome. It would also be great if we could access anything additional to support children, youth and families. For example, any toiletries for us to promote good hygiene, Christmas gifts or help towards Christmas celebrations/ Christmas meals, Easter eggs, and teaching of skills you can provide for our youth over Summer or at our regular youth clubs, contribution towards family fun days for inflatables hire and any contribution towards play equipment for our large playground that needs updating.

We have paths and safety barriers to erect around the Refuge and we would like to build larger aviaries for the owls and birds of prey. We are also wanting to build a new rehabilitation room for the animals that come into our care.

Parents of disabled children are often thrust into this new, scary and complicated world with no advice, knowledge or training. Without the right support, the time creating precious family memories loses out to the stresses of everyday life and not knowing what the future holds. Little Miracles is ran by parents, for parents, and we aim to offer what we wish we had during testing times - a shoulder to cry on, pointers in the right direction and people to relate to and socialise with - as well as celebrate the small milestones that mean the world. We offer daily activities from our purpose-built play centre, The Spinney. Our centre was built in September 2013 by the BBC's Children in Need and DIYSOS following a massive outpouring of public support for our cause. In addition to daily activities, we employ specialists that provide their services at no cost to our families (as with all the work that we do) - a family support worker, sensory support worker and counsellors. The services we offer include: Recreational and educational activities for young people Comprehensive benefits assessments (and help completing paperwork) Advocacy Counselling and bereavement counselling Low-cost holidays - Caravan of Miracles Courses/workshops from qualified tutors Early intervention services