The long summer holidays can be both a blessing and a challenge for families, especially for those struggling with financial pressures or isolation. Thanks to the generous fundraising efforts of everyone at TTP plc, in August Home-Start Royston, Buntingford & South Cambridgeshire was able to offer a memorable day out for 22 local families at Standalone Farm.
This outing marked the highest number of families attending one of our yearly family outings, which are typically arranged in either the summer or at Christmas, funded by a local business, supporter, or group.
For many of these families, this special day would not have been possible without the generous funding and support from TTP plc, who has proudly chosen Home-Start as their Charity of the Year for 2024.
Planning for Success
While it might have seemed like a carefree day out, a lot of planning and effort went into making this trip possible. Many of the families we support face financial barriers or isolation, which can make trips like this difficult to arrange independently.
Thanks to the funds raised by TTP plc, we were able to cover transportation costs for families without access to their own vehicles, ensuring no one was left out due to transport barriers. Families arrived at Standalone Farm through a variety of means, including the Herts Lynx bus, Royston District Community Transport, volunteer-provided lifts, or their own transport. This ensured that everyone could join in and enjoy the fun-filled day.
A total of 22 families joined us for the outing, comprising 25 parents and their 37 children, all arriving excited to go on an adventure.
Support for Every Family
Our 9 Home-Start staff and volunteers played an invaluable role throughout the day, offering one-on-one support to parents managing multiple children or those with additional needs.
For parents who are anxious about taking their children to public places, having trained volunteers available provided peace of mind and boosted their confidence. This support made a significant difference, allowing families to relax and fully enjoy their day without added stress.
A Farm Adventure to Remember
The weather could not have been more perfect with sunshine and mild temperatures (so not too hot for the little ones!) setting the tone for a fantastic day out.
Standalone Farm offers many engaging activities for families, from petting small animals to learning about farm life. One of the highlights of our day was a tractor ride around the farm, which delighted both children and parents alike. Additionally, the opportunity for children to “milk” a cow was not only fun but also educational. The children were thrilled to see ducks, chickens, alpacas, and horses—experiences that sparked curiosity and excitement.
Throughout the day, families explored the farm, visiting various animals and participating in informative talks about pigs. They also enjoyed the play area, complete with a sandpit and a model railway. For many of these families, this outing provided a rare opportunity to spend quality time together in a relaxed, enjoyable setting, free from the usual worries about costs or logistics.
A Relaxing Picnic and Playtime
At lunchtime, the group came together for a picnic, where parents could chat and share stories while the children recharged for the afternoon ahead. After lunch, the children burned off their extra energy by exploring the playground and having fun in the sandpit, running around and enjoying themselves in the play area.
It was so lovely to see parents and children looking relaxed and able to explore and enjoy the great outdoors in a safe, supportive environment.
Positive Encouragement and Feedback
Throughout the day, our volunteers took the opportunity to give positive praise to both children and parents. By modelling positive behaviour and offering encouragement, they helped those who felt particularly anxious about taking their children out in a large public setting. The impact of this support was evident in the feedback we received from families:
“Thank you so much for today, and please thank our volunteer. She was brilliant. R said everything about today was good!”
“We had a fab day—really, really enjoyed it!”
Making a Lasting Impact
This outing was more than just a fun day; it provided opportunities that families may not have been able to access on their own. Many parents struggle with feelings of isolation, especially during the long summer break, so this outing offered them a rare chance to enjoy quality time together without the usual stresses of daily life. Opportunities like this help isolated families to make connections, develop friendships and receive support from their peers. When you’re feeling isolated and lonely it can feel like you’re the only one finding things tough, so trips like this one can help families to see that often there are other people in a similar position. Peer support is a powerful thing!!
Without the funds raised by TTP plc, trips like these simply would not happen. The amount of organisation and effort that goes into planning an event like this is considerable, but the results – smiling faces, strengthened family bonds, new friendships and wonderful memories – make it all worthwhile.
Home-Start is incredibly grateful to TTP plc for their ongoing support throughout 2024. By helping to fund trips like the Standalone Farm outing, they have provided local families with opportunities to come together, relax, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. We look forward to continuing this partnership and seeing the positive impact it has on our community.
From all of us at Home-Start, thank you, TTP plc, for helping to make such a positive difference in the lives of local families.
Quote from TTP:
“Our TTP colleagues have recognised the great work and support Home-Start give to local families in times of need and have voted them as our Charity of the Year for 2024. We hope the increased awareness of Home-Start’s services, along with raising much needed funds, will assist their amazing work throughout 2024 and beyond! TTP are proud to support Home-Start Royston, Buntingford and South Cambs.“
Support Local Families: Partner with Home-Start
The success of our Standalone Farm outing highlights the incredible impact local businesses can have on the lives of families in our community. By partnering with Home-Start Royston, Buntingford & South Cambridgeshire, you’re not just supporting a charity – you’re investing in the wellbeing of local children and families who could one day become your future employees, customers, or neighbours. Together, we can create opportunities for families to thrive, ensuring that every child gets the best possible start in life.
We’d love your help to continue this vital work. If your business is interested in making a difference, please consider naming Home-Start as your Charity of the Year or supporting us by donating raffle prizes, funding a family outing, or contributing financially to our work. Every contribution, big or small, helps us reach more families in need.
If you know someone in a local business who could help, we’d be thrilled if you passed this on. Call us on 01763 262262 and ask for Paula, or email admin@hsrsc.org.uk, to explore how we can work together to support local families.
