A CHARITY will celebrate 25 years of helping vulnerable families in Gloucestershire at a teddy bears' picnic next weekend.
The Family Haven was conceived 25 years ago to help families with small children, experiencing problems including disabilities, domestic violence, mental health, drug and alcohol misuse.
It will celebrate its silver anniversary with a teddy bears' picnic at Highnam Court on Sunday July 13.
Supporters are invited to bring a picnic and enjoy a fun-filled day of activities including music, games and stalls from 11am to 4pm.
People have been showing their support for the event by posting pictures of themselves with their teddy bears on Twitter.
Gloucester Mayor Deb Llewellyn, leader of Gloucestershire County Council Mark Hawthorne and Citizen editor Jenny Eastwood are among those who have already taken part and the charity is encouraging others to show their cuddly toys.
Last year The Family Haven helped 63 families consisting of 98 parents and 100 children.
Of those families, 10 secured more suitable accommodation and 26 families gained enough confidence to leave the support and access services elsewhere.
"We provide a warm and caring environment where both assistance and encouragement are available to enable children and parents to flourish," said Lorraine Barrett, centre manager.
"Some of these parents have nobody to turn to.No family support network, no friends.
"We are here to give them shelter, support, friendship and advice."
Parents are able to use the facilities in Spa Road, Gloucester, which include a bathroom, kitchen and television room, while the children are looked after in the nursery.
They also have access to computers, telephones, washing machines and second-hand clothing.
Thirty-two parents undertook part-time work, training or voluntary work, leaving children in the nursery.
Lorraine said: "The charity has seen many changes over those 25 years and continues to evolve.
"I don't know how long the services of the Family Haven will be needed or if indeed there will ever be a time when they aren't.
"I can only hope that with the continuation of all our funders and generosity of new and regular supporters we can continue for as long as we are needed."
Send your teddy bear pictures to Hayley.mortimer@glosmedia.co.uk and post them on Twitter using the hashtag #teddybearpicnic
