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we run for you

Take a look in our project. Currently we are running Family Crisis Support Centre (FCSC). 

Family Crisis Support Centre (FCSC)

2024 – 2026

Where we are now:
Since launching in August 2024, the Family Crisis Support Centre (FCSC) has quickly become a safe and trusted space for families, parents, and individuals struggling with the cost-of-living crisis in Gloucestershire and Worcestershire. Many of our participants are migrants, facing additional challenges with language barriers, isolation, or uncertainty about their rights. By offering consistent, practical, and emotional support, we are already seeing positive changes in confidence, resilience, and community connections.

Impact so far:
Participants report that the project is helping them feel less isolated and more supported. Some have already found employment or training opportunities after attending our workshops, while others share that having a safe space to meet regularly has helped improve their wellbeing and mental health. We are also seeing new volunteers – former participants – step forward to help, which strengthens the sense of community empowerment we envisioned at the start.

What we are doing:

  • Our weekly “Let’s Talk Action” tea talks are running successfully, bringing together experts, advisers, and participants for informal discussions over tea and coffee. These meetings have become a space where people feel comfortable asking questions about financial issues, employment, housing, or mental health.

  • Each month, we deliver specialist-led workshops and support groups, both online and in person. These sessions provide knowledge on coping strategies, financial management, employability, and wellbeing. Attendance is steadily growing, with participants regularly bringing friends or family members along.

  • We have already started 1-to-1 support sessions – with our life/career coach and financial adviser. Participants say these personal consultations are helping them take real steps forward, from planning new careers to managing debts more effectively.

  • Our confidential helpline (phone, email, messenger) has been used every week, showing there is a strong demand for safe, private advice.

  • Online, we are publishing advisory videos, live Q&A chats, and multilingual posts on Facebook, giving participants wider access to trusted information. Our Facebook reach continues to expand, with people engaging not only locally but also from other parts of the UK.

  • With new printed leaflets and resources available in multiple languages, we are making information more accessible to those who need it most.

Looking ahead:
Over the coming months, we will continue running weekly tea talks and monthly workshops, alongside 1:1 sessions and digital outreach. Our goal remains clear: to help families and individuals cope with crisis, build resilience, and develop the life skills that lead to long-term stability and opportunities.

The one-to-one coaching sessions have changed the way I see myself. My coach helped me set small steps and showed me that I have skills I didn’t even realise. I now feel more confident about looking for a better job and planning for the future.

Matylda

The weekly tea talks are my favourite part of the project. It feels relaxed, like chatting with friends, but I always leave with new knowledge from the girls that run it. I’ve learned how to manage my bills better and, most importantly, I don’t feel so alone anymore. I feel like ther is more people in my situation and at let we do progress. 

Sofia

I want to say thank you to Iza for her advice during the sessions. She explained everything with so much patience and made me feel understood. Because of her support, I finally feel more in control of my situation and confident to take the next steps for my family.

Mihai

Action Support Center 

2022 – 2023

 

What we have done:
In 2022, through our project Ready for Change, we successfully supported migrants, unemployed individuals, and people with English as a second language in Gloucestershire. We provided coaching, financial advice, and workshops to help participants improve life skills, find employment, and even explore business opportunities. The project created strong demand for continued support, especially for ongoing access to advice, information, and digital resources.

Information about it:
To meet this need, we launched the Action Support Center in February 2023. The Center operates 5 days a week, year-round (Mon–Fri, 10am–6pm), offering:

  • Online, phone, and in-person access to finance advisers, volunteers, and coaches.

  • Weekly “Open Day” sessions with free access to laptops, printer, and internet.

  • Multilingual information packs on employment, skills development, and starting a business.

  • Monthly group workshops with materials, presentations, and opportunities to book 1:1 sessions with professionals.

  • A multilingual website and Facebook page providing ongoing resources, forms, advice, and community updates.

PARTICIPANT:

“Before joining Building Better Cheltenham, I felt completely lost – I didn’t know where to start with finding a job or how to deal with all the paperwork. At the Action Support Center, I got real advice, step-by-step guidance, and the confidence to move forward. The Open Days were so helpful because I could use the computers and talk to people who understood my situation. Thanks to the support, I not only found work but also started to believe in myself again.” – Ann, Project Participant

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” – Coretta Scott King

 

Ready for Change 2021 – 2022

What we have done:
In the aftermath of Covid-19, many people in Gloucestershire faced job losses, uncertainty, and a need to rebuild their lives. Ready for Change was created to support individuals through this difficult transition, helping them adapt, grow, and regain confidence. We surrounded participants with professional and emotional support, focusing on new skills, employment, and personal development.

Information about it:
Launched in November 2021, the project combined online and live workshops, individual coaching, and advisory sessions. Support included:

  • Monthly group coaching and 1:1 life coaching to build resilience and self-confidence.

  • Accounting and advisory sessions twice a month to support those starting businesses or changing careers.

  • An online help centre and Q&A through Facebook, accessible in multiple languages (English, Polish, etc.) to reach wider communities.

  • Workshops and materials designed to improve habits, beliefs, and practical steps toward employment or self-employment.

Projects

Satisfied Clients

Ongoing Projects

Cups Of Coffee

Join us 

buildingbettercheltenham@gmail.com

Become a Volunteer with

Family Crisis Support Centre

At the Family Crisis Support Centre (FCSC) we believe that strong communities are built on kindness, support, and working together. Every week we welcome families and individuals who are facing the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis, job loss, or the difficulties of starting a new life in the UK.

Our team of volunteers plays a vital role in making this support possible. From helping at our weekly “Let’s Talk Action” tea talks, to assisting with workshops, translating for participants, or simply offering a friendly smile, volunteers are at the heart of everything we do.

Becoming a volunteer is not only about giving your time – it’s about becoming part of a community where your skills, experiences, and compassion can truly change someone’s life. Whether you can offer a few hours a month or regular weekly support, your contribution will make a real difference.

If you would like to join us as a volunteer and help families build resilience and confidence, get in touch today. Together we can make life a little easier for those who need it most.