A CHESTER charity that provides temporary accommodation and 24/7 wrap-around support to homeless and at-risk families has received funding from a housebuilder to equip their outdoor classroom.

Save the Family provides residential accommodation and support for families that are homeless (or at risk of becoming homeless) and who have multiple and complex needs.

The charity supports 135 individuals annually, with 75 percent being children. The charity’s trauma-informed Children and Young People’s Mentoring Team delivers innovative activities to address the barriers preventing children and young people from achieving their full potential, including the outdoor enrichment programme.

Save the Family applied to Redrow’s Chester community fund, linked with Kings Moat Garden Village on Wrexham Road, to furnish and equip its outdoor classroom at its modern, multi-purpose facility which includes self-contained residential units and shared community facilities.

Orly Waugh, Grants Coordinator at Save the Family, said: “Our trauma-informed mentoring team work with families to address complex challenges and equip them with the skills and resilience to create a positive future.

“During their stay with us, we wanted to offer them an outdoor enrichment programme. The positive effects of spending time outside have been heavily documented, and we are aiming to foster connections with nature and help reduce the striking inequalities faced by our children and young people.”

“The outdoor enrichment programme will offer enjoyable activities and sessions including outdoor reading, plant growing and bug hotel building.

“Redrow’s donation of more than £500 has been the final piece of the puzzle by enabling us to purchase a junior picnic bench, messy play stand and chalkboard trees.”

Anna Evans-Kerr, sales director at Redrow NW, said: “Save the Family is an amazing charity whose purpose is to support families and reintegrate them into the community when they feel equipped and ready to carve out a brighter and more sustainable future.

“At Redrow, we also understand the importance of spending time outside which is why we include plenty of green spaces at all our developments, to be enjoyed by people and nature alike such as village greens, play areas, wildlife habitats, nature trails and parkland.”

To find out more about the homes Redrow at Kings Moat Garden Village on Wrexham Road visit: https://www.redrow.co.uk/locations/north-west/chester.