THE Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation has given a £3,000 grant from its Action Hampshire Fund to St Mark’s Church in Bordon.

It will help continue the employment of a family support worker who helps families with children up to the age of 16 who may be struggling to deal with illness, depression, financial problems or children refusing to go to school.

The family support worker lends a listening ear and offers practical support in obtaining relevant help and pointing families in the right direction to tackle health or financial issues.

Their aim is to strengthen the family bond, promote good mental health and wellbeing, and reduce anxiety. The family support worker is also able to offer help with special needs provision for children – particularly children with autism – and with ‘Space To Be’, which supports women who are experiencing difficulties such as stress and illness.