2023 Charities
About me & dee
The charity was formed in 2006 and is a totally self-funding charity, we rely on people and businesses to raise funds for us so that we can provide the much-needed memory holidays to our families. The way the charity came about is a story you can read on Our Founder page, told to you by the charity founder, Maria Hanson MBE.
For those who are facing an uncertain future it’s important to create a way of capturing precious memories, those that we all take for granted when life is busy and passing us by. me&dee realise that the most important thing we can gift is time together as a family, a chance to stop the worries for a day or two, something that can take people out of the situation they find themselves in and capture some smiles, some laughter and those oh so precious memories, to cherish and remember.
Whether that one person in the family is an adult or child, gifting them the time together by way of an experience or treat is what me&dee do.
We can’t change the difficult times. But together we can help families going through life-changing circumstances to laugh and smile when they need it most, making sure it’s the special times that will always be remembered.
About Home Start
Being a parent has never been easy. It can be lonely, frustrating, heart breaking and over-whelming. Life-changing events can happen to anyone. That is why Home-Start is ready to support families through their toughest times.
Every Home-Start volunteer is trained to help them work alongside you to overcome the challenges you are facing. We work with you to build on your strengths and give you the support that you tell us that you need.
Home-Start Horizons offers specialist parenting support along with practical and emotional advice in the homes of families with young children across Leicestershire and Rutland who are having difficulties managing parenting for a variety of different reasons.
We believe that children need a happy, secure childhood and that parents and carers play the key role in giving their children a good start in life and helping them achieve their full potential. Even the most dedicated parents can face challenges that prevent them doing all they want for their children.
Our committed and caring volunteers, usually parents themselves, offer friendship and informal support to parents with young children. They visit families at home and are friendly, approachable people who respect the needs of each individual family.
Home-Start Horizons has a proven, lasting, positive impact on the development of children and the health and welfare of the family.
Our Leicestershire and Rutland hub is independently managed and relies on the kindness and generosity of people giving their time and donations.
About Bright Hope
in North West Leicestershire
Bright Hope in North West Leicestershire supports individuals who have a condition that leads to a reduction in quality of life or who have been diagnosed with a life limiting condition as well as offering support to their partner or carer.
Formally known as Hospice Hope, in 2012 it started by offering a weekly drop in support group (called a Support Café) in Ashby de la Zouch.
The charity has grown from strength to strength and today successfully offers a wide range of support services including, 3 Support Cafés located in Ashby, Ibstock and Whitwick; counselling, befriending, complementary therapy, wellness services and a new day care service (starting early 2024). The Charity has recently changed its name in anticipation of the opening of our new building in early 2024 - Bright Hope House, purpose built to be the charity’s headquarters and home to our support services.