An Hour For Others helps build communities and inspire positive changes throughout the year, Christmas time is no exception!
Our annual ‘Christmas Mission’ begins as soon as our Summer activities finish and the kids go back to school. Each year, with the support of big hearted followers, individuals, businesses and families we are able to make Christmas special for hundreds of local children and ease the financial burden many families face at this time of year.
We always aim to help 250 local children right across the city with £100 of specific presents each to open on Christmas Day. Many of the children are part of our groups throughout the year, other children are referred from schools and organisations we linked with. Our team work with the families to identify exactly what it is each child would like on Christmas Day, those who sponsor the kids either go out and buy the presents or donate to ourselves and we go out to purchase the goods. We are always looking for more big hearted sponsors to step forward and are truly grateful for each of you.
Case Studies
Since opening our community hub in the heart of Liverpool in Tuebrook two years ago, we have seen huge, positive impacts in the lives of the old and young people who attend our various groups. Our after school groups for children aged between 6 an 16 have been the highlight. The children attend for a variety of reasons, many of them are really low in confidence and self belief at the time they join us. Our groups focus heavily on personal development and include confidence building, drama, life skills, leadership, breaking through limitations etc. We really support our young people to step outside their comfort zones. The results have been incredible, school reports and feedback show how they develop confidence and resilience and begin to really achieve.
The is one example of that from a young boy who joined our groups in 2023. The following was Mums referral in June 2023:
‘This group would give Max the confidence he needs. He will be starting seniors next year and I feel he will really struggle as he’s not confident enough to stand up for himself so I just worry for him.’
The following is a private message from Mum in October 2024 after only a short time in senior school:
‘Hi Kev, just want to say a massive massive MASSIVE thank you to you and your amazing team. Max’s parents evening couldn’t have gone any better. All the years I’ve had parents evening for him, they’ve all said that he’s not confident to ask for help/struggles to put his hand up to answer questions. But every single teacher I saw today all mentioned how confident he is at asking for help and is always the first to put his hand up to answer a question. This is down to you and everyone at AHFO for building that up, I really cant thank you all enough’
Fundraising
An Hour For Others is always grateful of support with fundraising. As a grassroots charity it is unbelievably tough to keep moving forward and building on the impact we already have in lives and across communities. Throughout the year we plan fundraising events such as walks up Snowdon, family fun days, zip wires, annual galas, bucket collections, bingo’s, raffles, half marathons etc. Before Christmas we have a curry quiz held by our amazing business partners Bruntwood UK, we have participants in the Santa dash and bucket collections planned.
In the New Year we will be announcing more events, which will be advertised on our website www.anhourforothers.co.uk. We are ALWAYS looking for people and businesses to get involved with fundraising to support our work in the Liverpool region. They can either sign up for one of our planned events or plan their own with the help of AHFO team member Teresa who organises our fundraising. We also look for businesses to sponsor our work or even give an hour of their wage each month to help us help others.
Our motto says Together We Are Strong and without doubt we are! AHFO is a grassroots movement for positive change that evolves and organically grows year on year. We aim to leave a legacy behind for our children to take on and create even more magic with, always benefitting our communities and helping them reach their full potential. The future is now.
Testimonials
A few words…
“We as a family are truly blessed to have AHFO in out lives. The support through the different groups on offer has been endless and we couldn’t imagine not being part of the AHFO community.”
“Personally for us, the kids club has added structure, routine and security to our 7yr (who is on the ASD pathway) with school even reporting they have noticed the positive impact of AHFO. Thank you” – Emma.
“I joined my son up to An Hour For Others for the social element. He has made such positive friendships and found a sense of belonging, it’s been lovely to watch. I know he is safe and cared for when attending AHFO groups and the activities have given him new life experiences. I am forever grateful to AHFO amazing team…” – Lauren
“The support we receive from AHFO is heart warming, we have never had anything like this on our door step and our little family is so grateful for everything they do and continue to do.” – Paula
“It’s like another family when we are all together. I feel like I can be myself and have fun and I have made great friends. I have built so much confidence in spending time with An Hour For Others” – Isla.
“The support you have given us is so helpful. Honestly words alone can’t express how much we appreciate your help. I remember years ago when I used to watch house makeover programs, I would always wish that I could one day get my kids bedrooms done. I knew that it’s something that I can’t afford. Last year when I was told by An Hour For Others that we are going to get help with the bedrooms, I cried from joy. It’s truly like a dream come true. Me and my children are so happy and thankful for the great help that you have given us.
“Everyone who helped and got involved are all so loving, patient and caring. We really appreciate the brilliant job that they have all done, first bedrooms look stunning – we are all happy and grateful. The kids are nicely settled in the lovely bedrooms. Honestly I can’t thank you enough. Wish you all the very best in your life, you are truly blessed” – Concillia.
“Your efforts bring happiness and hope to so many and we are grateful to be a part of the hour for others family. Our communities are truly blessed to have An Hour For Others leading the way, empowering others for a better future” – Joe.
“This group has been such a great experience for my child. He has grown in confidence so much and was able to do thing/go places he wouldn’t have otherwise been able to go/do. We would have been lost without An Hour For Others” – Liz.