A West Sussex charity supporting young people and families is asking its local community for urgent help as it struggles to secure the funding needed to remain open.
Providing early emotional wellbeing support
HOPE Charity Project provides early emotional wellbeing support for young people aged 11 to 18, alongside family consultations, parent sessions and supportive group activities.
During the last 11 months, the charity has directly supported 31 families. Its recorded referral data shows that 95% presented with low mood, 69% with anxiety and 54% with school avoidance. More than four in five were already waiting for other services, including CAMHS, when they came to HOPE.
Despite the growing need, HOPE is facing an uncertain financial future. Without more donations and community fundraising, the charity may not be able to continue providing its current level of support.
“Passion alone cannot keep the doors open.”
Claire Sparrow, Founder and CEO of HOPE Charity Project, said: “It is incredibly difficult to say that we are struggling, but we need to be honest with our community. Families are coming to us frightened, exhausted and often unsure where else to turn. We want to remain here for them, but we cannot do that without help. Small charities are often expected to keep finding a way, and we do, again and again. But the reality is that our services, premises, staff, resources and safeguarding responsibilities all have costs. Passion alone cannot keep the doors open.”
HOPE focuses on early intervention, helping young people when they first begin withdrawing, struggling with school or saying they cannot cope.
Claire continued: “Early intervention should mean helping a child before they reach crisis point. It should not mean waiting until they are self-harming, completely isolated or unable to leave the house.
“School avoidance is often treated as an attendance problem, but behind that absence there may be anxiety, bullying, neurodivergence, family difficulties or a young person who simply feels overwhelmed. These children are not being difficult. They are communicating distress in the only way they can.”
HOPE recognises the pressure faced by schools and does not expect teachers to become mental health professionals. The charity believes families, schools, health services and community organisations need to work together earlier, before a young person becomes disconnected from education and community life.
From September, HOPE will welcome a Neurodiversity Family Adviser who will help families understand and navigate the EHCP process. A new monthly group in Worthing town centre will also support neurodivergent parents and parents raising neurodivergent children.
Call for community support
Now, the charity needs the community around it to help protect these services.
HOPE is asking local people to consider making a one-off or regular donation. It is also looking for volunteers who can spread the word, attend events or organise fundraising within their own communities.
Fundraising does not need to be complicated. A coffee morning, quiz night, sponsored challenge, workplace collection or community event could all help HOPE continue supporting local families.
Local businesses can also help by choosing HOPE as their charity partner, sponsoring an activity, placing a collection tin or encouraging their staff and customers to fundraise.
Claire added: “We know this support works because we see the difference every week. A child who could barely make eye contact begins talking. A young person who felt completely alone makes friends. A parent who arrived in crisis finally feels that somebody understands. We are asking our community to stand beside us now. Whether somebody donates, volunteers, holds a fundraiser or simply tells others about HOPE, every act of support helps us stay open for the families who need us.”
To find out more about the charities work and donate visit: www.hopecharityproject.org
