Launch  of BBC Children in Need ‘Rise & Shine’ Project

 Windsor Women’s Centre awarded £71,250 by BBC Children in Need

Windsor Women’s Centre in South Belfast are delighted to announce that BBC Children in Need has awarded them a grant of £71,250 over three years. This grant will fund the ‘Rise and Shine’ project: a healthy eating initiative, providing breakfast, lunches, healthy and healthy living activities for children.  This will help make a positive difference to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people right here in the Greater Village area.

The Centre’s aim is to improve the lives of women and children by providing a range of services to meet their needs.   Families using our services have raised issues such as struggling financially or conflicting health messages as barriers to providing a healthy diet for their children.  This project will support 55 children daily by providing access to healthy food and encouraging them to have an improved diet.

Good nutrition in the early years is widely recognised as vital for children’s development and ability to learn. Parents and Carers’ involvement is integral to this project and together we will work to encourage children to eat a balanced diet. The cook funded by the BBC Children in Need, will share the recipes, nutritional information and healthy eating tips with the parents to support them at home.

The project will also link into the wider themes of sustainable living through our community garden and recycling initiatives.  Parents & Children will be encouraged to grow some of the produce used in the programme in our garden.

Eleanor Jordan, CEO said “This is a fantastic opportunity to support families in our area. We could not reach out to the children in the Greater Village area of South Belfast without the support of BBC Children in Need. This grant will contribute towards our children having a healthier start in life.”

BBC Children in Need funding relies on the energy and commitment of thousands of fundraisers and supporters across the UK who donate their time and money to support the Appeal.  Whether it’s cake sales, wearing pyjamas to school or having a song and dance, every penny of the money raised goes towards supporting projects across the UK.

All grants go to projects working with children and young people living in the UK who may be affected by homelessness, neglect, abuse or poverty, or those who have faced challenges in their lives such as serious illness, disabilities and psychological disorders.