A Bracknell charity is appealing for funds to help support families in need this winter.

Home-Start Bracknell Forest, which helps families dealing with financial stress, mental health challenges, and isolation, is experiencing increasing demand for its services.

The charity highlighted the difficulties many face during the festive season and urged those who can donate or organise fundraising activities to do so.

The Craft Coop in Princess Square, The Lexicon, is hosting a 'Giving Tree' to support Home-Start Bracknell Forest and Age Concern.

Shoppers can pick a bauble from the tree, representing a parent supported by Home-Start, and purchase a gift for them.

Gifts must be returned to Craft Coop by December 8.

Home-Start Bracknell Forest has also been selected for Tesco’s Stronger Starts programme, making it eligible for funding to support its volunteer home visiting service.

Shoppers can vote for the charity in Tesco stores until mid-January 2025, with the project receiving the most votes set to receive £1,500.

The Bracknell Town Mayor will be hosting a Charity Quiz Night in support of Home-Start Bracknell Forest on December 13.

Tickets are £10 per person and include a buffet dinner.

The event will take place at Great Hollands Pavilion.

Home-Start Bracknell Forest also received a boost from runner Eva, who raised £1,190 for the charity.

Eva took on the challenge of running 12 half-marathons in 12 months to raise awareness and funds for the organisation.

The Lexicon Community Charity Fund awarded Home-Start Bracknell Forest a grant, part of the £26,920 raised this year.

The grant will help the charity provide more support to families through home visits, practical assistance, and emotional encouragement.

The Bracknell Freemasons donated £1,000 to the charity, while Easthampstead Rotary Club raised £150 through their 'Bracknell Together Walk' charity event.

Both donations will help Home-Start Bracknell Forest continue its work supporting vulnerable families and children in the community.

The charity also welcomed a new group of volunteers who completed their Volunteer Preparation Training.

The volunteers are now equipped with the skills and knowledge to provide vital services to families with young children facing challenges.

Home-Start Bracknell Forest is encouraging people to host a Sponsored Christmas Jumper Day to raise funds for the charity.

A ready-to-go Christmas Jumper Day Fundraising Pack is available for download on the charity’s website.

The charity provides a range of services for families living within Bracknell Forest.

More information on how to refer a family for these services can be found on Home-Start Bracknell Forest's website.