What we do
Our charity exists to benefit vulnerable families with children 0-5 years old in the Northampton town area (Spring Boroughs, Semilong, St James, The Mounts). Some of our families experience financial hardship, social, health or economic issues and much more. Families can self-refer, or be signposted by health, other professionals, schools, or other charities.
We run 'Stay & Play' parent and child drop-in sessions twice a week. These sessions help us to make contact and build relationships, so we can best meet our family’s needs. We work in one of the UK's most deprived city wards where many families face extreme hardship. By providing these activities and facilities for care and education, we help to promote social welfare and improve life chances benefitting both the families directly and the community at large.
Primarily the services we offer enable families to gain opportunities to improve their outcomes in life. For example, parents and caregivers may need support to access college courses, English and Maths classes, parenting courses, breastfeeding advice, introducing solids and healthy eating workshops.
We are always looking for suitable volunteers who are DBS-checked. We will be able to match your skills to the areas where you would be most valued, and where we most need support. Please get in touch if you would like to get involved.
NB. In line with our safeguarding policy, a DBS and reference checks will be required for all volunteers.
Our Team
Tracey has an educational background and is a familiar face in the Spring Boroughs community, as she worked at Spring Lane Primary School for many years.
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Tracey has worked with our wonderful trustees for several years to develop The Spring Charity into the amazing organisation it is today. She is the person who does all of the vital behind-the-scenes paperwork, but she is also the face of The Spring Charity!
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Everyone knows Tracey, as she is the person who networks, arranges partnerships and works to secure additional funding for all our awesome projects! She can often be found whizzing around Stay & Play in her 'wheels'. She is always working on new ideas, so watch out if she says, "I was just thinking..."
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Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Our CEO works hard on the strategic matters that keep our charity running! She works closely with our Trustees, Staff, Volunteers and local schools to ensure our community thrives and grows.
Tracey Hamilton​
Nic Bird
Community & Craft Coordinator
Charity Manager
Alice is our Charity Manager, who keeps everything running day-to-day.
She is usually super-busy but also super-happy! No one else could possibly smile as much as Alice!
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Having previously worked for another Northampton-based family support charity, her wealth of experience is just incredible.​ Alice ensures our team have all the tools they need to ensure families receive the support they need. This support is unique for every family!
Alice Hudson
Nic is a vital part of our team and our chief administrator. She has an NHS background so brings lots of valuable experience to our charity.
Nic's role has grown over the past year as she now delivers Cookery and Craft Workshops, in our weekly Community & Craft Cafe, as well as supporting with finance, administration and health and safety.
During Stay and Play sessions Nic supports new families as they settle in and conducts regular child development observations and well-being surveys with the adults. These observations and surveys are vital in ensuring our provision matches the needs of our community.
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Mone Berisha
Family Support Worker
Mone is a valued member of our Family Support Team. She works closely with Alice to offer 1-2-1 support, family support and leads her own groups for families and residents based on her passions for gardening and cookery.
Testimonials
"I enjoyed coming to the sessions because my child is mixing with other children and doing fun activities. We have fun!"
"The best things we have done are arts & crafts, The farm visit and rhyme time. I have met some new people and my son loves all the staff!"
"I've noticed that my child can communicate a lot better. Tracey and Nic are so kind and easy to talk to. My son loves all the crafts and playdough and also singing nursery rhymes."
"I am very happy with everything you do and I want to say thank you for all you do. I noticed that my child's development is better than he was and he likes to play with the other children. He is not so shy!"
"I've noticed that my child will copy the actions when we sing each session. We enjoy the painting, storytelling and craft activities."
"I've noticed that now my child can get involved and choose options independently and be creative. He is becoming more confident."
