Many people in our community may not know what this busy organisation does from day to day but there is no doubting its work in vital in assisting our most vulnerable families and individuals when they are in need of support. Singleton Family Support (SFS) has operated in Singleton for over 30 years. The service is funded to support families that are experiencing hardships, challenges and face disadvantage.

SFS has been evolving over the past few years to find ways that best support families. Many of the programs now offered at SFS aim to improve personal wellbeing. If an individual is addressing their own personal needs and accessing support that promotes their wellbeing, research and experience show that this will flow through to healthier relationships, greater parenting confidence and improved self-worth and confidence.

Alongside the traditional services of family work, counselling, parenting support and advocacy, SFS now offer programs and groups based on positive psychology and mindfulness theories. Families attending the service are able to use a variety of assistance and programs that will benefit themselves and their families.

Currently some of these new groups offered are: Strut! A dance and movement group, Walking 4 Wellbeing, a social walking group that includes mindful activities, Art as therapy program for therapeutic support and Community Yoga for stress and relaxation.

SFS is a small team of social workers, family support workers and administrative staff. Staff are qualified and trained in Social Work and Community Services. All family and group work is based on the most current evidence available regarding education and therapeutic support. Working with families to be safe, resilient and flourish is our passion.

Member of the that team Lisa Brock said she would love to see businesses large and small participate in a workplace giving program.

"Imagine if 1000 people give $5/week we would be able to double our services, to support vulnerable families, young people and children in the community." she said.

SFS is also looking for a community partners to grow the service. Currently about 300 families and individuals are supported each year but the service feels that they can offer so much more. SFS is asking for any community members, businesses and organisations that would like to be involved to contact Lisa (0418 331 058)

Some options are:

. A one off donation

. A workplace sponsorship program

. A regular workplace giving program

SFS has recently rebranded with a bright and beautiful new logo to reflect the changing service. A new website with information about the service and how to access groups and programs has been developed to showcase the new direction of SFS. Contact is simple, just call the service on 6572 4288