Home-Start Flintshire play session donation from Anwyl Homes

Home-Start Flintshire successfully applied to the 'Love from Anwyl' fund, set up by local homebuilder Anwyl Homes to help the community around its Summers Bridge development in Deeside.

The money has been used to fund five weekly Stay and Play sessions for families with pre-school children at Deeside Leisure Centre.

Sharon Windsor, scheme manager at Home-Start Flintshire, based at the CORLAN Voluntary Centre in Mold, said: "We're grateful to Anwyl for this donation towards our popular Deeside stay and play group. These weekly sessions ensure parents with young children have a welcoming and safe place where they can play together, meet other mums and dads, and chat to our volunteers.

Anwyl sales advisor Carol Nomdedeu with Amy Saynor of Home-Start Flintshire and Colson enjoying his playtime. Photo: Mandy Jones

"Last year, our referrals showed 78% of families struggled with social isolation and a lack of a support network, issues which are compounded when families move into a new area. These sessions are just one of the ways our charity is supporting Flintshire families and combatting some of the issues new parents face.

"The sessions are run by our brilliant volunteers and we are always on the lookout for new helpers to join us."

Home-Start Flintshire also offers support to families via phone and home visit. It will also direct people to other agencies and groups that can help if needed, including health professionals, specialist organisations or other charities such as the Flintshire Foodbank.

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Graeme Gibb, sales director for Anwyl Homes Cheshire and North Wales, said: "Home-Start Flintshire is doing a fantastic job in Deeside and the wider Flintshire community to support young families. The Stay and Play sessions are an important part of this, giving parents and their children a chance to socialise with other people and find a listening ear from the volunteers should they need it."

Home-Start Flintshire is currently recruiting for its next wave of volunteers. If you have parent or caring experience and are interested in finding out more about becoming a Home-Start volunteer visit www.home-startflintshire.org.uk.

Love From Anwyl is a voluntary scheme attached to the 183 homes Anwyl is building at Summers Bridge. For more information see www.anwylhomes.co.uk/our-developments/summers-bridge