How a Cherish Project Works

Cherish projects are designed to provide families with tailored, community-based support, bridging the gap between public services and local resources. Each project is anchored in its community, combining professional coordination, church partnerships, and volunteer involvement to create a network of care for families.

1. Core Components of a Cherish Project

1.1. The Cherish Community Co-ordinator

Role: The Co-ordinator is the cornerstone of each project, acting as a trusted link between families, schools, churches, and community organisations. They are responsible for identifying family needs, connecting families with resources, and overseeing project activities.

Responsibilities:

  • Meeting with families to understand their challenges and develop support plans.

  • Building relationships with local schools, churches, and community services to create a network of support.

  • Recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers.

  • Organising events, maintaining the local website, and raising awareness of available resources.

1.2. The Cherish Project Team

Composition:

  • The Cherish Co-ordinator. 

  • Representatives from partnering local churches.

  • Nominees from local schools and other community organisations.

  • Two representatives from families who have benefited from Cherish.

Responsibilities:

  • Meeting monthly to review the project’s progress, discuss challenges, and plan initiatives.

  • Raising and discussing any safeguarding concerns, ensuring they are documented and promptly addressed.

  • Providing feedback on community needs and shaping the direction of the project.

  • Supporting localised fundraising efforts and outreach activities.

1.3. Volunteers and Church Involvement

  • Volunteers, often recruited through local churches, play a hands-on role in supporting families. They may assist with practical tasks, offer companionship, or help organise family outings.

  • Local churches act as key partners, providing venues for meetings, events, and training, as well as financial and prayer support.

2. How Families Are Supported

2.1. Accessing Cherish Support

Families can connect with Cherish in several ways:

  • Directly reaching out via the Cherish website or social media.

  • Referrals from schools, GP surgeries, or other community organisations.

  • Recommendations from local churches or other families. 

2.2. Initial Meeting

Once a family contacts Cherish, the Co-ordinator arranges an informal meeting, often at the child’s school or a community venue, to discuss their needs in a relaxed environment.

The Co-ordinator listens to the family’s challenges and identifies available resources, including:

  • Local services (e.g., parenting support groups, financial advice).

  • Cherish volunteer support (e.g., befriending, practical help).

  • Specialised help from partnering organisations (e.g., counselling, social services).

2.3. Tailored Support Plan

Together with the family, the Co-ordinator develops a tailored support plan, which may include:

  • Connecting the family with community resources.

  • Organising practical help through Cherish volunteers.

  • Providing ongoing check-ins to ensure their situation improves.

2.4. Ongoing Care

Families receive regular follow-ups to track their progress and adapt their support plans as needed.

Families can also access Cherish-organised community events, such as parenting workshops, family outings, or support groups, to build connections and foster resilience.

3. Fundraising and Resource Allocation

3.1. National Fundraising

Cherish operates with a national fundraising model that covers the core costs of each project, including:

  • The salary of the Cherish Co-ordinator.

  • Volunteer onboarding and training.

  • Marketing and outreach efforts.

  • Administrative costs necessary to run the charity.

3.2. Localised Fundraising

Local fundraising is focused on meeting the needs of families within the project community. Since all the administrative costs are pre-funded (see above), 100% of local fundraising goes directly to the project in question. This component of fundraising also ensures that each Cherish project is able to adapt its activities to the needs of the local area, as determined by the local project team. 

These might be needs such as:

  • Supporting families with emergency needs (e.g., school uniforms, household repairs).

  • Providing emergency accommodation

  • Hosting family events or workshops.

  • Funding local resources like parenting classes or community groups.

This dual fundraising model ensures transparency and sustainability at scale whilst allowing local projects to adapt to the needs of their communities, and for communities to see the direct impact of their contributions.

4. Safeguarding and Oversight

4.1. Safeguarding Practices

  • All Cherish staff and volunteers complete safeguarding training and undergo background checks before working with families.

  • Safeguarding concerns raised by the Co-ordinator or volunteers are documented and escalated to the appropriate authorities and Cherish’s Named Safeguarding Lead.

  • The Cherish Project Team reviews safeguarding matters monthly to ensure that all concerns are addressed promptly and appropriately.

4.2. Oversight and Accountability

The Cherish Co-ordinator provides monthly progress reports to the local Cherish Project Team, including:

  • Updates on families supported and outcomes achieved.

  • Challenges faced and resource gaps identified.

  • Feedback from families and stakeholders.

Quarterly reports are submitted to the national board, ensuring accountability and enabling strategic support.

5. Scaling and Expanding Cherish Projects

5.1. Establishing a New Project

New Cherish projects are established in communities where there is clear evidence of need and a willingness among local stakeholders to partner with the charity.

The initial steps include:

  • Engaging local churches, schools, and community leaders.

  • Securing funding for a Cherish Co-ordinator role and initial operating costs.

  • Recruiting volunteers and building a local Cherish Project Team.

5.2. Maintaining Local Flexibility

Each project is designed to adapt to the unique needs of its community. While the core structure remains consistent, the specific initiatives and focus areas vary based on local challenges and resources.

6. The Cherish Difference

Cherish projects are more than just services—they are networks of care that bring families, schools, churches, and communities together. While there is a level of professionalism and organisation in how we can help families access support services, much of the support provided by a local Cherish project is provided in the form of mutual caring support from other members of the same community. 

By focusing on relationships, personalised support, and local ownership, Cherish creates lasting change for families and builds stronger, more connected communities.