Help us raise £24,000 to sustain therapist-led drop-ins that have supported families across Shropshire for the past five years.

For many families, Sea Change Trust’s community groups are more than just a place to meet — they are a place to feel heard, supported and less alone. For five years, therapist-led drop-ins in Shrewsbury and Pontesbury have created welcoming spaces for parents, carers and children to connect. With your support, we hope to offer vital sessions like these for families across our community.

About the Groups

For the past five years, The Sea Change Trust has been supporting families across Shropshire through two very special community groups.

Every Monday during term time, families gathered in the bell tent in Shrewsbury for Talk & Play – a relaxed, welcoming space where parents, carers and young children can spend time together, talk, play and connect.

On Wednesdays, our Pontesbury Drop-In offered similar listening space for families in the local community.

What made these groups different is that they are run by qualified psychotherapists.

This means families not only came together for connection and community – they also had access to professional therapeutic support in a safe, informal and welcoming environment, right at the point when they needed it most.

There was no referral process, no waiting list and no pressure. Families simply came along, spent time together and talked if they wanted to.

These groups were a consistent and trusted presence in the community, helping parents feel less alone and giving children a safe and supportive place to play and grow.

Friendships were formed, confidence has grown and for some families these sessions have been a lifeline during difficult times.

What Families Say

Over the years, these groups have become a meaningful part of many families’ weekly routines. Parents describe them as places where they feel welcomed, supported and understood - somewhere they can talk openly, connect with others and access help when they need it most.

One parent, who first came to Talk & Play when her son was just two months old, described how important the group became during an incredibly difficult time for her family. She shared:

“What stands out about The Sea Change Trust is the regularity and dependability of them being there. Unless there is severe weather, I know I can find them and have a professional ear to speak to.”

She also spoke about the sense of connection the group has created:

“I now have a really close-knit group of mum friends, which I feel, without the tent to meet in and offload, wouldn’t have happened.”

Another parent, whose daughters have attended the Pontesbury drop-in for several years, highlighted both the value for children and the support available for parents:

“I love the non-judgmental, child-led environment the sessions provide.”

Reflecting on the wider impact, he said:

“For many, just coming along for a play and a chat is enough in itself, but to have trained staff on hand who know how, and when, to provide more help if it’s needed is priceless.”

These reflections remind us just how important it is to promote welcoming, therapist-led spaces like these for families who need them.

Why We Need Your Help

The grant that has funded these sessions has now come to an end.

The Sea Change Trust team is actively applying for new funding to continue vital community support, alongside the charity’s wider work supporting babies, children, young people and families across Shropshire.

Our Goal: £24,000

We are aiming to raise £24,000, which would allow us to run community-based groups like these, for six months, while we secure longer-term funding.

Around £4,000 per month helps cover:

• qualified therapist time

• safe, welcoming community spaces

• play and creative resources for children

• refreshments and practical support for families

Every contribution helps ensure families can continue accessing supportive, therapist-led spaces in their community.

What Your Donation Could Do

£10 – Helps provide play materials for families attending a session

£25 – Helps a family access a supportive community group session

£50 – Helps contribute towards our community spaces

£100 – Helps fund towards professional therapist time at a group

£4,000 – Helps run the groups for a full month

Every donation, large or small, brings us closer to continuing these sessions for families who rely on the