Sanctuary Housing in Banbury help spread some sunshine with activity packs for families

The packs, containing colouring pencils and books, are being delivered throughout the community by the Sunshine Centre thanks to funding from Sanctuary Housing and Cherwell District Council.

Usually holding a range of activities for local families, the Sunshine Centre, in Bretch Hill, now only remains open to help provide support for key workers.

All other children who use the centre regularly are being looked after at home, where it is a challenge to keep them busy during the day, especially with the current restrictions.

Charlie Heritage, Sanctuary’s neighbourhood partnerships manager, said: “We have worked in partnership with The Sunshine Centre for many years and it’s incredible to see how they have transformed so quickly to continue their support for the local community. The wellbeing of all the families is always of the highest priority, especially during these difficult times.”

Jill Edge, manager of The Sunshine Centre, added: “Families have been very appreciative of the extra help at this time with activities to keep their children busy.

"Our team has been wonderful in swiftly adapting to new circumstances and continue to help in any way they can. Families are now in need more than ever.

“Thanks to Sanctuary and Cherwell District Council we have been able to provide practical help for the children alongside food parcels which have been donated by other local companies.”

Established in 1969, Sanctuary Group is responsible for the provision of social housing, care and management services across England and Scotland. It owns or operates over 100,000 units of accommodation and employs around 13,000 people.

The group operates under a not for profit umbrella, with surpluses reinvested into the provision of affordable housing, the maintenance of existing properties, and the development of new services for customers.

Sanctuary Housing, part of Sanctuary Group, manages housing for older people, general rented and shared ownership accommodation across England, with local operations based in the communities in which we operate.

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