About The Family Haven

Charity number: 1088622

The Family Haven is a small local charity based in Gloucester that provides practical help and support to deprived and vulnerable families with children under five living in the County of Gloucestershire. We were established in 1988 to help families living in B&B or unsuitable accommodation, those with mental health issues, victims of domestic abuse and pre-school children with additional needs by providing a warm, caring and supportive day centre where assistance and encouragement is available to help them to improve the quality of their lives. The Family Haven provides these families with a nourishing meal, access to a bathroom, laundry and free second hand clothing store. Children benefit from a pre-school education in the OFSTED registered nursery (which recently received a Good rating) whilst parents are able to gain the life skills and confidence they are lacking via our parenting classes, personal development course and healthy eating workshops. With a focus on preventative measures, specialist nursery education sessions are provided for children with educational needs to ensure that they start school at no disadvantage to, and on a par with, their peers. Through these education sessions they aim to provide these children with the best possible start to their education, thus reducing the likelihood of school exclusion. The Family Haven takes an holistic approach to helping the whole family. The majority of parents are single mothers. During the last year 11 families found permanent accommodation; 19 parent/carers found part time work; 14 parent/carers took/started; training; 4 parent/carers started voluntary work; of 16 families known to social services, 6 cases were closed and only 1 child was removed.