Help break the cycle

Trelya braces for the winter months ahead as it prepares to help impoverished children and families in Penzance.

With the goal of breaking the generational cycle of social and economic deprivation for Cornwall’s most impoverished families based in Penzance, Trelya, after the record breaking summer that’s almost behind us, is preparing for what is the most difficult season for families and children in need – winter and, of course, Christmas.

“If it wasn’t for this place, we wouldn’t have made it through the year. It’s a lifesaver.”

While Cornwall is known for its temperate climate, many families are stuck in sub-standard housing, vulnerable to cold and damp, relying on inadequate heating and cooking facilities. They face impossible decisions that most of us never encounter – choices between food or heating; waterproof boots for the kids or petrol to get to work. Sometimes, it feels like too much for parents struggling to make ends meet while caring for small children.

One mum, who has a small baby to care for, tells us: “If Trelya hadn’t helped me, I would have had to give her up and tell them to take her away this time.” Another parent explains: “If it wasn’t for this place (Trelya), we wouldn’t have made it through the year. It’s a lifesaver.”

Whether it’s simply via a hot meal at the youth drop-in; the Ofsted registered nursery, Skylar, which helps young mums; Trelya’s youth work or long-term programme ‘Friends of the Children’, which mentors at-risk children by providing each child a dedicated youth worker, Trelya is determined to improve the lives of children at risk and impoverished families.

But the team can’t do it alone. With intense competition for institutional charitable grants, lack of government funding and the rising cost of resources, Trelya is reaching out to the Cornish community for help for the first time, having never before asked the local population for aid.

Whether you’re a local business, Cornwall resident, holiday visitor or holiday home owner, to find out how you can help and what Trelya is up against, be sure to contact the team.