Today is the day. Put simply, it is essential that we raise as much money as possible and our goal is to achieve £360,000 in 36 hours.

In reality, our annual budget now exceeds £500,000. 

During the other 363 days of the year, we apply for grants from both within and outside of the community to help make up the difference. But grants alone are not enough.

Sometimes people in the community say, “I don’t understand - if the work of supporting families is done by volunteers, why does Hand in Hand need to spend any money?”

The answer is that behind the volunteers is a structured, professional support system that Hand in Hand has spent 10 years refining and improving since Shabbat Walk began: for the benefit of both the teens who volunteer and the families who receive support.

Our committed team of 12 London staff and four Manchester staff work challenging hours to ensure that every volunteering arrangement runs smoothly, that each young person feels supported and confident, and that safeguarding situations are handled quickly and appropriately. They also make sure that families who need more than a weekly hour of volunteer support receive the additional care they need. 

It is this system that allows the relationship between the volunteer and the person that they are supporting to thrive, changing two lives at once. A child with challenging circumstances has a chance to step outside of their feelings of isolation – to laugh, to play, to feel like themselves again. Parents and siblings gain the respite and relief that they wouldn't have otherwise. The volunteer themselves experiences huge personal growth. 

Your donation today will ensure that these connections can continue to flourish - for every child, teenager and family member who relies on them.

Thank you.