The Family Haven receives £3,000 grant for new mobile-friendly website

The VINCI UK Foundation has awarded The Family Haven, a day centre for vulnerable families in Gloucester, £3,000 to develop a new mobile-friendly website. The new website will improve ease of access to information for the families it assists, as well as encourage support from the local community.

Founded in 1988, The Family Haven relies heavily on volunteers and donations to keep its important services running. Offering a nursery for children and workshops for adults (e.g. cookery or stress management), the charity provides a safe space for families struggling with domestic violence or mental health issues to receive the support they need, build friendships, and develop their confidence.

Fundraiser Liesel Schwarz said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world forever and it is more important than ever to maintain online connectivity. The Family Haven is planning to use the funding to create a new website, which will be more accessible for the people who need our help. It will also assist us in our efforts to raise the funds we need to help others. We are very grateful to the VINCI UK Foundation who have made this possible.”

More than financial support

Michelle Goscombe, who works in engineering support at Twyver, is the VINCI sponsor for the charity who will work with them over the coming year. She has already donated clothes and nappies and is encouraging friends and family to do the same. In addition, she has volunteered to help with The Family Haven’s refurbishment plans.

“The Family Haven make a huge difference to people’s lives – and they’ve been keeping their support going throughout lockdown with regular phone calls to families, food packages, and schoolwork sent out to children. To be able to give something back to the community and help The Family Haven means the world,” she said.

Established in 2016 to promote social integration and cohesion in the communities surrounding VINCI businesses, the VINCI UK Foundation has granted almost £1 million to 130 charities across UK and the Republic of Ireland. At the same time, VINCI employees have donated their professional skills to support the charities in whatever small way they can.