VULNERABLE families across Wyre Forest got to enjoy a fun day out at the seaside thanks to fundraising efforts for Home-Start.

The trip to Weston-Super-Mare allowed youngsters, from infants through to teenagers, and their parents and carers to gain some respite from the pressures of life at home by enjoying a relaxed day of beach fun in the sun.

The day was funded by money raised through carrier bag sales and fundraising events at local Midcounties stores, while the Society also provided a picnic for the families.

Home-Start Wyre Forest is The Midcounties Co-operative’s charity partner in the region, which sees colleagues, members and shoppers take part in fundraising activities to support the charity.

The family support group provides practical help, emotional support and advice for families in the area dealing with a range of issues including stress, mental illness, substance addiction or difficulties with single parenting.

Since the partnership with Midcounties began in March last year, the Society has raised a total of £17,000 for Home-Start Wyre Forest, allowing the charity to provide a helping hand for even more families in the area.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Belinda Darby, Manager at Home-Start Wyre Forest, said: “Our trip to the seaside helped to provide respite for a number of local families going through a tough time, and enabled them to create some wonderful memories together. It was fantastic to see so many smiling faces throughout the day, and I hope this is a trip they will remember for a long time.

“We are a relatively small charity who rely on the help of others, and the support Midcounties colleagues, members and shoppers have provided has been invaluable.”

Bob Richens, Leadership Team Ambassador for Wyre Forest at The Midcounties Co-operative, said: “It’s so important for families to spend quality time together and many families in Wyre Forest won’t get the opportunity to spend time on a beach this year, which is why we wanted to support Home-Start’s trip to Weston-Super-Mare. It provided a fantastic opportunity for children and their parents to have a bit of fun and forget about any difficulties they’re facing.

“Our shoppers, members and colleagues have always shown fantastic support for Home-Start since the beginning of our charity partnership.

"We will continue to do everything we can to make sure the charity can continue to reach out to everyone that needs their help in the Wyre Forest.”