SAVE XTND IMPROVING FUTURES

Do you want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money in aid of XTND - IMPROVING FUTURES and every donation will help. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to us.

XTND is a small charity with a big heart that has been supporting local children and families since 2011. We have enriched the experience of families, giving new positive experiences, trusted safe space and stronger community connections.

“Without XTND offering provision and safety to many of our vulnerable young people after school and during school holidays, a high number of children would be left unoccupied and vulnerable.” (CS South Ward Neighbourhood Policing Team)

Please can you help us continue to bring opportunity and support to children and families who already show extraordinary resilience in the face of challenging personal and local circumstances?

Our activities enhance children's welfare when school is closed and include subsidised breakfast, after school and holiday clubs. We provide a safe and nurturing space, healthy food and interesting, fun activities, giving a safe space to play, develop skills and improve conditions. This means fewer children go hungry and child vulnerability is reduced. Through family engagement, we work to enable parents and enhance the lives of children beyond the time they spend in our activities.

The latest report from The Quartet Community Foundation clearly shows that services for children and young people in our area are calling out for investment to help reduce the impact on the next generation which unfairly limits their life chances:

• 73% of parents on low incomes say they can’t always afford to feed their children during the school holidays

• 1 child in 5 lives in poverty in our area, and 60% of children in our area are eligible for Free School Meals

• Well above the national average of 26.2% Our region shows worrying levels of ill health that put us in the worst 5% of the country

• Rates of anti-social behaviour in our area are in the worst 1% of the country

Last year it cost us £100,000 to offer all our activities. Due to recent decline in funding sources, XTND currently finds itself in a situation where without significant investment, the charity will no longer be able to run past September 2023. If we do not find funding our work will not be able to continue and local children will suffer further hardship. Sorry to be so blunt, but that is how it is on the ground here in 2023!

We aim to offer positive change through opportunities for the entire community, leaving a positive legacy for generations to come. This is now an urgent appeal for funding.