Families in need
It’s easy to forget that there are deprived areas of Tunbridge Wells and children and families in need of our help. Sherwood and Broadwater are in the 20 per cent most deprived areas in Kent, and an area of Sherwood is one of the 20 per cent most income deprived areas affecting children in the UK.
A lack of income means families- in particular those with a sole carer- are unable to afford pre-school childcare. This means they are unable to work and may be forced to rely on benefits to look after their family.
There are also those in immediate need of our help, such as mothers fleeing domestic violence. They may be staying at the women’s refuge trying to make a new start in life, but without affordable childcare they have no choice but to look after their children 24/7.
The role of St George’s
As a registered charity since 1982, St George’s has provided a lifeline for parents and children in need. We offer 12 – 15 % of our places at a subsidised rate, ensuring that disadvantaged children in the local community can benefit from the safe, nurturing environment at St George’s.
We also work closely with the local women’s refuge, social services and the local healthy authority to ensure that those who would benefit most from the support of St George’s are able to access it. As well as being able to provide places for children until they reach school-age, we offer short-term emergency childcare for families who find themselves unable to cope in times of crisis.
Making a lasting difference
Our assisted places scheme gives parents the time and space they need to get back on their feet and go on to ensure their own financial stability and a positive home life for themselves and their children. While their children are cared for by St George’s, parents can attend job interviews, parenting classes and counselling sessions, take college courses and seek legal advice.
The children themselves benefit immeasurably
How a child is treated from birth to age 3 can be crucial to their long-term intellectual and emotional development. Babies are born with 25 per cent of their brains formed, rapidly developing from there so that by the age of 3 their brains are 80 per cent developed.
In that period, neglect, the wrong type of parenting and other adverse experiences can have a profound effect on how children are emotionally ‘wired’. This may deeply influence their future responses to events and their ability to empathise with other people.
We believe in every child’s right to feel cared for and safe, and work hard to ensure that we fulfil that ethos. Children who have been experiencing a difficult, disruptive home life can experience normality at St George’s: playing and learning, interacting with other children and feeling valued and special.
Countless studies, including the government’s recent report on early years development, have shown the benefits of good pre-school experiences on a child’s long-term development. With the care we provide at St George’s, we are able to help give those children most at risk the best chance in life.
Why we need you
St George’s is a not-for-profit organisation, and every penny left over from paid-for childcare places goes back into the project. This means we need to raise the funds to cover the cost of the assisted places, which comes to more than £20,000 each year. We also raise money for essential repairs and equipment to ensure the children enjoy a safe and stimulating environment.
Your support helps us continue to fill our valuable role in the community, helping children and families who need it most. Please donate now with whatever you can, and help us to help children make tentative steps to confident strides.