Handmade hearts, messages and bookmarks are being hidden across the Chichester district as part of a summer campaign aimed at bringing some joy to local families.
Home-Start Chichester & District has joined forces with its volunteers and the local group Crafting Change to create the small gifts, which will be distributed across villages for members of the public to find.
The campaign comes as many parents face additional pressure during the school holidays and may feel isolated without their usual routines and support networks.
Volunteers have been sewing felt hearts, painting messages on cards and making colourful bookmarks. Each item will include information about Home-Start and the support it offers to families with young children.
Sue Osborne, from Home-Start, has been involved in the project.
She said: “We’ve worked with one of our volunteers Lynne Healy who started Crafting Change to make a variety of items to bring a smile to people’s faces over the summer. Each items has details about Home-Start should a family need some additional support”
The charity has also worked with West Sussex Libraries to create informative bookmarks, which will be hidden inside children’s books at libraries across the area.
Organisers hope people who discover one of the gifts will share their find on social media or pass it on to somebody who may need support.
“We’d love people to come on to Facebook and let us know if they find a gift, maybe with a photo, or for them to hand it to a parent that they know could do with a hug!”
Home-Start is a community network offering specialist support to families with young children during challenging periods.
Its mission is to ensure parents receive the help they need to give their children a better future.
More information about volunteering or receiving family support is available at www.home-startchichester.org.uk or by emailing admin@home-startchichester.org.uk.
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