In an ideal world there would be absolutely no need for Red Hen to exist. But the world that we live in has named Cambridge as ‘the least equal city in the UK’.

In this, our 24th year, there is even more need for us to exist than when we began. Our family workers manage large and ever-changing caseloads and deal with more and more complex issues as families face such difficult and uncertain times. Visit our main website at www.redhenproject.org to find out more about our impact.

Red Hen was founded on the belief that education is crucial in breaking the cycle of poverty that can exist in the socially and economically deprived area that we serve. We have always been about removing barriers to learning and working to forge good relationships between home and school. Our schools can make referrals knowing that practical assistance and expert advice will be available quickly, and delivered with sensitivity and understanding.

It is no secret that there is significant pressure on all of our social care system. We provide a crucial way for families to find the support and help they need when in times of difficulty. Ideally before things escalate to a crisis. That is our strength – early, practical, expert support when and where it is needed.

The real strength of the project, of course, lies in its staff - their accessibility, their focus on listening and encouraging, their non-judgemental practical help and advice. All hugely valued by families and schools in all of our evaluations. And they do it with sensitivity, warmth and genuine care.

The Red Hen Project is a small local charity that has been working with primary school children in North Cambridge for over 20 years. Our family workers support children and their families to overcome barriers to learning, providing a link between home and school. We work one to one in their home, at school, and in the community and also run a range of outreach group activities; parenting courses, coffee morning, drops-ins, workshops, family activities, trips, and volunteer opportunities.

We focus on the individual needs of each child and their families, there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach. The Project prioritises one-to-one support, complemented by peer support, and help families to become independent. This may include addressing behaviour difficulties, reluctance to attend school, routines, accessing out of school activities, problems with housing, benefits, debts, relationship breakdown, domestic violence, or anything else that is making life difficult for children and parents.