Tees Better Future Fund empowers Cambridge Acorn Project with £5,000 grant to extend trauma-informed support

The Tees Better Future Fund proudly announces its latest triumph in fostering positive change within communities, as it awards a £5,000 grant to Cambridge Acorn Project. Selected as one of four recipients in the recent round of applications, the Cambridgeshire-based charity is set to make a profound impact on the lives of children and families facing trauma, abuse, or emotional distress.

Cambridge Acorn Project stands as a beacon of hope, dedicated to alleviating the inequalities experienced by families across Cambridgeshire. With a therapeutic model of social work, the charity extends its support to children, young people, and families who have endured trauma while navigating the challenges of poverty.

“We’re delighted to have been awarded funding from Tees’ Better Future Fund. This money is vital to extending our services in Cambridge and ensuring more children and families can access our support. With Cambridge being one of the most unequal cities in the UK it is imperative that we can embed our services in local communities to ensure quick and easy access to therapeutic support for children and families who have experienced trauma and abuse.”

The demand for their services has surged as an increasing number of children and families find it challenging to access support from existing channels, particularly around mental health services. In response to this pressing need, the Cambridge Acorn Project is expanding its reach by establishing a new satellite hub in the King’s Hedges ward, complementing the success of their existing Cambridge Drop-In Hub in Abbey Ward.

The King’s Hedges area of Cambridge is amongst the 20-30% most deprived in the UK, underscoring the pervasive deprivation prevalent within the city. The extended satellite provision aims to make therapeutic support easily accessible to more children and families, allowing them to drop into their local wellbeing hub without the need for a professional referral. This innovative approach is rooted in person-centred service delivery, ensuring that support is delivered in a manner that aligns with their needs and preferences.

“Cambridge Acorn Project is truly inspirational - tirelessly dedicating itself to delivering comprehensive, trauma-informed therapeutic and structural support to children and families navigating trauma and poverty. Having collaborated closely with CAP over the past year, we have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of their work and the urgent and increased demand for CAP's services. The forthcoming expansion through a new satellite hub in King’s Hedges is a beacon of hope, ensuring that more children and families can readily access the vital support they deserve. We are delighted to stand in partnership with Cambridge Acorn Project as they continue their mission to alleviate the suffering of children and their families, making a lasting difference in our community.” Commented Janine Collier, Co-Chair of the Tees Better Future Fund.

Trained, registered therapists, social workers, caseworkers, and assessment practitioners, along with supervised peer-support volunteers, will form a dedicated team providing a range of services through the new satellite hub. From enrichment support for children to family support fostering safe homes, the hub will serve as a comprehensive resource hub offering planning support, casework support, and a referral pathway to the legal clinic delivered in partnership with Tees.

To open this new satellite hub one morning per week in term time, the Cambridge Acorn Project will also need to increase staffing around the satellite hub to ensure they can undertake outreach hub services and also undertake follow-up work generated from contacts at the hub.

"The additional staff capacity will not only enhance our ability to provide personalised therapeutic support to children and families but also strengthen our collaborations with schools, businesses, and voluntary partners. Together, we can create a network of support that has the potential to support emotional recovery for children and families post-trauma," emphasised Hannah Chapman, Cambridge Acorn Project’s Charity Manager.

As an example of the transformative nature of their work, a parent who has recently accessed the existing hub explained: “This service has saved my sanity and given us hope for the future. I don’t know what would have happened without the understanding, support, and encouragement I’ve gained”.

The Tees Better Future Fund and the Cambridge Acorn Project are united in their mission to create a better future for children and families facing adversity. This grant represents a shared commitment to building resilient communities where every child has the opportunity to thrive.