Friends of the Family Winchester

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Friends of the Family Winchester

Supporting families to face their future with confidence. Friends of the Family covers Wi******er and its surrounding villages.

We offer families a range of support services and friendly guidance, to overcome challenges and turn their lives around.

20/08/2026

Are you looking for a local volunteering opportunity that’s rewarding, meaningful and fits around your week? 😀

As a volunteer befriender for our 5s-13s befriending service, you’ll spend a couple of hours a week building a trusting and positive relationship with a local child in the Wi******er area. You’ll have the chance to make a real difference to a child’s confidence and wellbeing.

Volunteering with Friends of The Family will also give you the chance to build your confidence and skills, gain valuable experience, enhance your career prospects, feel a sense of achievement, and be part of a supportive community 💙

Give a little, gain a lot. Become a volunteer befriender with us by emailing us at [email protected]. ******er

15/08/2026

A huge thank you to Taylor Bielinsk for surprising us with a visit last week to present a generous donation on behalf of the students at UKIC 💙

As part of their English Language Summer Camp, the students supported Friends of the Family by designing and selling their own posters and water bottles.

Taylor kindly presented the donation to Jo, our Operations Director in our garden. It was great to hear about the students’ fundraising efforts, and to see their work make a positive difference to families in the Wi******er community.

Thank you to all the UKIC students who took part, as well as those who supported their fundraising 👏🥰

12/08/2026

This week, we're introducing Marie, a valued member of the Friends of The Family team and our Mum’s and Young Children’s Group Coordinator.

“I’m Marie and I have been working for Friends of the Family for nearly 3 years (it will be 3 years in September), and I am the play leader for our Mums and Young Children project. As mums take part in group therapy, my wonderful team of volunteers are there to look after their young children. We offer children, from baby to school age, a safe environment to play and develop new skills.

My role is to organise our volunteers and sessions, making sure that the children’s needs are covered, that they play happily, and enjoy a healthy snack together.

My favourite part of the job is seeing how children change over the time they are with us and grow in confidence and abilities. And obviously, there are the baby cuddles too!" 💙

06/08/2026

Next up in our Meet the Team series is Elizabeth, our Operations and Volunteer Coordinator and the newest staff member at Friends of the Family.

"Hi, I’m Elizabeth and I joined the Friends of The Family team in early 2026 after moving to the area with my family from the Blue Mountains, Australia.

I work behind the scenes to support our staff and volunteers. My favourite part of the role is hearing about the positive difference our volunteers make to the children and families in the Wi******er area who benefit from our services." 💙

03/08/2026

Last week, we were grateful to receive a generous donation of school uniforms for our families from Wi******er Vineyard Storehouse 💙

Their kindness and support will help to ease financial pressure for our families, making a real difference as they prepare for the new school year.

Thank you for thinking of us 🥰 ******erSupport

30/07/2026

Friendships are important at Friends of the Family. Our volunteer community builds lasting friendships and connections through their time with us, and so do the mums who attend our Mums' and Young Children Support Group. For many, the group is a lifeline.

One mum who attends the group shared: "Initially I was reluctant to come to the group and was worried about being judged, but it wasn't like that. My boys and I felt safe. The friendships I have because of Friends of the Family are amazing, and I couldn't be more grateful for the support I've had." 💙

That's what our group is all about. Providing a warm, welcoming and friendly space where every mum and child feels safe, supported and valued. ******er

27/07/2026

Sam has been our 5s to 13s Befriending Manager for nearly two decades. Here's what she has to say about her role.

“Hi, I'm Sam, 5s to 13s Befriending Manager at Friends of the Family. I've been part of our small, dedicated team for over 18 years and helped establish our befriending service. Before this, I worked as an Early Years teacher; supporting children and families has always been at the heart of what I do.

I'm passionate about our holistic approach, helping families build brighter futures with the support of our incredible volunteers. Together, our befriending service has supported nearly 200 families, offering guidance, encouragement, and a helping hand when it's needed most.

People often ask why I've stayed so long, and the answer is simple: no two days are ever the same, and I have the privilege of working with so many inspiring children, families, volunteers, and colleagues. I truly love what I do." 💙

24/07/2026

We’re looking for volunteer befrienders who can spare a couple of hours a week to befriend a child, aged 5 to 13 in the Wi******er area 😀

If you are a parent, grandparent, or you have experience with children, then we’d love to hear from you. Volunteers receive training, ongoing support, and regular supervision, ensuring they feel comfortable and confident to carry out their role.

Volunteer your time and make a positive difference to a local child’s week 💙

Contact our team to find out more, [email protected]. ******er

21/07/2026

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be introducing you to the faces behind Friends of The Family. First up, we have Jo, our Operations Director.

"Hello! I’m Jo, the Operations Director at Friends for the Family.

I've been working for the charity since April 2022. My job role entails the day to day running of the charity, and I’m responsible for the strategic development and fundraising activity.

My favourite part of my role without a doubt is the people - the volunteers, staff, trustees and the families and individuals we support. Being surrounded by likeminded, caring people every day is a privilege." 💙

17/07/2026

Friendship is at the heart of our 5s to 13s befriending service. Many of the children we support may struggle with low self-esteem, anxiety, loneliness, or simply need someone to talk to. That’s where our volunteer befrienders make a real difference 🥰

Read below how Jenna’s friendship made a positive impact to Daniel’s home-life.

Daniel lives with his mum, dad and sister. Seeing his sister’s complex medical needs and coping with his dad’s illness had been challenging, leaving him in need of extra support. After getting in touch with our 5s to 13s service, Daniel was matched with volunteer befriender Jenna. Meeting weekly after school, the pair quickly built a strong friendship. Sharing a love of nature and animals, Daniel was thrilled when he got to meet Jenna’s dog, Molly. Through their time together, Daniel’s confidence has grown, while Jenna’s warmth and positivity have brought him stability and joy.

Reflecting on their friendship, Daniel’s parents said: “It’s lovely to have Jenna as Daniel’s friend. He looks forward so much to seeing her. It’s nice for him to have someone special just for him.” 💙

If you know a child who could benefit from our befriending service, or would like to volunteer your time to support a young person, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch for a friendly chat at [email protected].

Address

16 Colebrook Street
Wi******er
SO239LH

Telephone

+441962864466

Website

http://www.fotfwinchester.org/

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