Support Local Children Living in Challenging Circumstances
Local charity Lincolnshire Action Trust (LAT) wants to hear from businesses that could help make the summer holidays more enjoyable for children affected by a family member’s problematic drug or alcohol use.
The charity’s Young Oasis project is currently providing support, guidance and encouragement to 58 Lincolnshire children aged five to eighteen affected by a parent or family member’s problematic drug or alcohol use.
Following the success of its campaign at Christmas, when the team was inundated with gifts thanks to the generosity of several businesses, LAT has decided to launch a similar appeal for the summer period.
“The school holidays can seem especially long for the young people accessing our service, so we’re working hard to organise various activities and days out to give them things to look forward to,” explains Senior Young Oasis Practitioner Kim Thompson.
LAT is keen to hear from anyone who is willing to donate tickets or passes for any activities and days out, or even a safe space in which the Young Oasis team can occupy groups of the children with crafts or games.
Kim said: “It would be fantastic if we could secure such things as cinema tickets, vouchers to take the children out to eat, or day passes for places such as wildlife parks, aquariums and the like; we are really grateful for what people can offer.
“Engaging the children in enjoyable activities not only provides them with some much-needed respite but will help them to build self-esteem, mitigate feelings of isolation and – most importantly – have fun.”
Businesses interested in donating can contact Debbie Harris at Lincolnshire Action Trust on 01522 806611.
For more information about Young Oasis and the other support programmes being delivered by Lincolnshire Action Trust please visit www.LATcharity.org.uk
Notes for editors:
- Please note that the young people accessing the Young Oasis service cannot be interviewed owing to their vulnerability and the confidential nature of LAT’s work.
- Established in 2000, Lincolnshire Action Trust (LAT) is a registered charity based in Lincoln.
- LAT works with statutory and non-statutory agencies to improve the skills and employability of individuals involved in the criminal justice system in Lincolnshire and across the Midlands, as well as their families and children.
- The Trust has delivered the Young Oasis project since 2015, supporting children and young people from all backgrounds who are affected by the substance misuse of a family member – usually a parent.
- LAT delivers a proactive and innovative partnership approach to achieve the care, resettlement and rehabilitation of offenders, those at risk of offending and their families.
- Lincolnshire Action Trust identifies client needs and gaps in current provision and designs bespoke services to address them. Services are tailored to the individual and include sessions on advice and guidance, debt and financial advice, accommodation support, employability and family support and disclosure.
- LAT hosts the UK’s first ‘departure lounge’ at HMP Lincoln, which aims to support offenders as they are released. The lounge offers a basic help package to address any immediate needs but can also provide guidance on housing, travel and other long-term needs.
- LAT delivers SPARC (Supporting People After Remand or Conviction) an assessment service at Lincoln Magistrates Court which addresses the immediate needs of individuals who have been sentenced.
- For more information visit www.LATcharity.org.uk
