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Food poverty, literacy struggles and low wellbeing are among the biggest challenges today.

In our city of Leeds, we work in communities that are in the most deprived 1-10% across the country. But numbers don’t tell you the whole story.

What does deprivation really look like?

Deprivation means children are going to school hungry, and their families don’t know where to turn or who to trust for help. Young people face challenges of low confidence and poor self-esteem and can often find it hard to do well at school. It’s so easy for families to get caught in cycles of intergenerational poverty, which makes it feel like there’s no hope for change. But we believe that by working together with local families, we can change this story.

Meet the team

Kate

CEO

I love working for FFL! Supporting families to thrive is something I feel very passionate about, and I get to lead a fantastic team of staff and volunteers who are dedicated to making a difference.

One of the things I enjoy most about my role is meeting lots of people and getting involved in different groups across my home city of Leeds.

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Emma

Operations Manager

I am the Operations Manager for FFL. I work closely with our CEO Kate, look after the running of our building, and any other tasks that help the amazing staff at FFL make a difference to as many families as possible.

I am a mum to two small children, and as a family we love scooter trips to the park! I also love being creative, so any spare time is spent crocheting or sewing.

Olivia

Senior Manager

I look after the language and literacy projects at FFL, whilst I also manage our internship programme and volunteers. My background is in education and teaching English as a second language.

More often than not, you’ll find me looking for the next great children’s book to read with our families! Outside of work, I like to bake and go running.

Susanna

Project Manager

I work with the Family Cookery Clubs, where most of my time is spent creating tasty and nutritious meals with our families and developing new recipes to try out. In my spare time I am a great fan of baking bread, reading, and walking in the local woodland.

Lizzie

Project Leader

Hello, I run our mentoring sessions and work behind the scenes doing the graphics and social media at FFL. I am passionate about working with children to improve their wellbeing through our activity-based Mentoring Programme.

I am a Fine Art graduate from the University of Leeds, and I love doing arts and crafts, so outside of work you will find me embarking on various creative projects!

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Bekah

Project Leader

I’m Bekah and I work part-time for Flourishing Families with the Story Tellers team. I was previously a secondary school teacher and love to help children develop a life-long love of books and reading. The rest of my time I spend as a photographer and mum to a cheeky one year old.

Helen

Project Worker

Hi! I’m Helen and I am part of the Family Cookery Club team. I used to volunteer for FFL and now I have the chance to work for this amazing charity.

I love helping families to cook well in our Family Cookery Clubs.  In my spare time, I enjoy days out with my family.

 

 

 

 

Eloise

Project Worker

I am a student studying psychology with education and work part time for FFL. I help out in many of the groups, meaning I get to know lots of the amazing families we work with. In my spare time you’ll likely find me with a book or a crochet hook!

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Josiah

Graduate Intern

I am a recent University of Leeds graduate and enjoy a varied role, working across many of the FFL groups and community events. I am particularly focussed on developing groups that facilitate a relaxed and enjoyable space for fathers and children to spend time together.

Outside of work I enjoy social time with friends and challenging myself in the weights
room!

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Tabitha

Graduate Intern

I have recently graduated from the University of Leeds as a Registered Associate Nutritionist. I’m a real “people person” and love sharing my skills with those around me, especially cooking and reading with families. In my free time I enjoy reading, cooking and exploring new places!

Women smiling for the camera

Papaya

Graduate Intern

I recently graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in Nutrition and love to share this knowledge in the Family Cookery Clubs. I also work as part of the team in some of the other groups we offer. I really enjoy getting to know the many FFL families and seeing them flourish. In my spare time you might find me attending a dance class, running or cooking something tasty!

Pam

Admin and Finance

I am a volunteer with Flourishing Families, helping with day-to-day administration and finance. I am a bit behind the scenes, but I also really enjoy helping out with family support. I like a good walk and spending time with family locally and abroad.

Richard

Chair of Trustees

I have the privilege of leading the great team of volunteer trustees for Flourishing Families. We oversee the running of the charity. I also get to chat to our supporters about our work and all the exciting changes we’re seeing in the lives of families as we grow across the city. When I’m not at work, I enjoy walking my dog, Frisbee, or sitting in a boat at sea catching fish.

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What we do

We work alongside communities to equip families with the skills they need to move forward. Our projects focus on healthy eating, literacy, parent support and mentoring. We get to know real people, hear their stories, and provide practical support where it’s needed.

We started out in February 2017, with three small pilot projects. Since then we have grown rapidly, enabling more and more families each year to directly benefit from our life-changing work. Flourishing Families continues to develop as an effective grass-roots charity, which is able to respond quickly and flexibly to the needs of local communities.

Family Cookery

Our cookery clubs bring families together for positive change

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Language & Literacy

Creative activities help families develop a love for reading

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Wellbeing

Groups and mentoring equip children and families to flourish

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