Future is bright for Rugby town centre charity

Dedicated workers at a Rugby-based charity burst into tears after a £10,000 donation saved them from the threat of closure.
Wendy Huckle (manager) with fellow employees Gemma Griffiths and Di Johnson.Wendy Huckle (manager) with fellow employees Gemma Griffiths and Di Johnson.
Wendy Huckle (manager) with fellow employees Gemma Griffiths and Di Johnson.

The Advertiser reported earlier this year that Families First was in danger of being closed due to a shortage in funding.

But thanks to a £10,000 grant from the Rugby Group benevolent fund, Families First can continue to offer vital support to those in need.

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The organisation started 25 years ago and is now based in a new town centre office in the WCAVA building in North Street.

It provides support for vulnerable families in Rugby and guidance for people with a friend or family member in prison, as well as helping those experiencing domestic violence.

When asked how she felt about receiving the grant, charity manager Wendy Huckle said: “I cried! I was so relieved, as were all the staff.

“It’s been an absolute lifeline for us.

“If we hadn’t had that, I think we would have closed, to be honest.

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“We’ve also had money donated from Rugby Lions and a London-based charity, the Hilden Trust.

“This has enabled us to develop a new initiative aimed at helping young women in Rugby - girls as young as 16, 17 and 18 - who are experiencing domestic violence. It’s early intervention work.”

And she added: “The £10,000 has enabled an office to stay open in town, it’s allowed the staffing of this office and it allows me the time to organise more fundraising, which is still crucial.”

Any further donations for the charity are welcome and anyone wishing to volunteer should get in touch by calling 01788 537112 or emailing: [email protected]

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Calls are monitored before 1pm. After this time, you 
can leave a message which will be picked up the following day.

Alternatively, more information can be found by visiting the Facebook page: Charity Families-First.

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