Winter 2022

As the evenings draw in and the temperatures drop, many of us enjoy cosy family time with our loved ones. However, we all know that family time can at times be fraught and challenging. And for some families, relationships can come under immense strain, become hostile or even fractured. We also know that the cost of living crisis won’t be helping.

Change is possible

At WLAC we work with children and their families to help them see that change is always possible and support them to take positive steps forward. It takes time and patience. And it requires hard work and determination. We don’t have a magic wand. But we do have hope. We find that families are highly motivated to make things work better. And our experienced team has a range of tools and approaches to offer and a flexible menu of services. Plus we are prepared to work with families for as long as they need us.

Talking therapies work

We know that what we do works because our clients tell us and we see their family dynamics change for the better. Communication improves. Parents respond more calmly to challenging situations. Children become more confident and their school attendance and behaviour improve. Our funders and referral partners endorse our work. There may be ups and downs but positive change is possible.

Demanding times

As the year draws to a close, I would like to thank you all for your continued interest and support for our work. All charities are finding it difficult to fundraise; very few people are insulated from the current economic pressures. Our charity remains in a strong position thanks to our broad funding base and loyal, generous donors. But we don’t take any of this for granted. We know that there are many demands on all of you. So thank you for choosing to help us. Our Big Give campaign runs from 29th November to 6th December when every donation you make will be matched - please help us to reach our target if you can.

Happy New Year

I would like to thank Elizabeth Webber for her stewardship as Chair of our Board for the past three years, having served on the Board for a decade. She has given us support, encouragement and constructive challenge, including as we have navigated our way through the pandemic. We are all grateful to her for her long and continuing service to the charity.

Hope and warm wishes

Heather Boxer
Chief Executive