Help transform lives in Winchester

By leaving a gift in your will, you have the power to change lives far into the future. That’s the message from Friends of the Family, a local charity that has been quietly transforming the lives of families in Winchester for more than 30 years.

Through a range of dedicated support services, the organisation helps parents and children facing some of life’s toughest challenges find hope, stability and a fresh start. Over the decades it has supported hundreds of families to rebuild their lives. Yet this vital work relies entirely on the generosity of donations to continue.

For local mum Keely, that support came at a moment when she needed it most.

When she was first referred to the charity’s Mums and Young Children (MYC) service, Keely was at one of the darkest points in her life. Having fled an abusive relationship with her two young sons, Travis and Morgan, she was left trying to piece her life back together while carrying the weight of trauma and fear. Each day felt overwhelming as she struggled to care for her children while navigating the emotional aftermath of everything they had endured.

In those moments of uncertainty and exhaustion, support from Friends of the Family became a lifeline. At first, attending the group felt daunting. Keely struggled with anxiety and feared being judged. With patience and gentle encouragement from the MYC counsellor, she slowly began to trust again. In time, she formed meaningful friendships with other mothers who offered empathy, reassurance, and understanding during an incredibly fragile period.

When her mental health later declined and her children were placed in temporary foster care, those relationships became a lifeline. The support of the counsellor and the other mums helped her endure her darkest days. Gradually, Keely regained stability, and her sons were able to return home.

A year on, Keely is in a far more hopeful place. Although she no longer attends MYC since Morgan started school, the family’s connection with Friends of the Family continues. Morgan now takes part in the charity’s 5s to 13s Befriending service, where he has been matched with a dedicated volunteer, Janet. Their weekly after-school meetings have blossomed into a warm and trusting bond.

The charity’s ability to adapt to families’ changing needs is what makes it so distinctive. As Keely’s circumstances evolved, so too did the support around her. Jo Smith, Operations Manager, explains: “Because we’re a small organisation built around the needs of the people we serve, we can meet them where they are. We listen, and we respond.”

She believes the charity’s ethos is simple. “It’s in the name, Friends of the Family truly becomes a family. That’s what people tell us.”

Because the future of Friends of the Family, and the families who rely on its support, depends on the generosity of the local community, even a small gift left in a will can play a big part in sustaining its work, helping families like Keely’s rebuild their lives long into the future.

As Jo reflects: “It’s easy not to think about what happens after we’re gone. But even a little can mean a lot, and leaving a legacy, no matter how small, is a special way is to ensure your life continues to make a difference. For our families, it means more than words can say.”

For Keely, that difference has meant everything. From the moment she and her boys first connected with the charity, she says they felt safe. “The friendships I’ve made through Friends of the Family are amazing,” she says. “I couldn’t be more grateful for the support my boys and I have received.”

Find out more about the charity at fotfwinchester.org