As the year draws to a close, we wanted to reflect on the triumphs 2025 has had to offer for Future Living.
As ever, we have been truly humbled by the support and generosity from everyone who has stood with us, from volunteers to donations. And of course, our clients who inspire us with their courage and strength throughout their journeys . Our clients are the driving force behind our mission, we learn from them and we grow together.
Building on feedback from clients we have piloted two brand new programmes this year, Brighter Days, a programme focused around some of the parenting challenges that may follow after Domestic Abuse and Moments, an empowering 9-week resilience programme designed to help individuals cultivate the skills necessary to navigate life’s challenges with confidence.
Expanding our services has meant we are able to follow on from some of our existing programmes and ensure the clients journey with us carries them further, giving them the power to move forward with their lives. Our low cost counselling service is busier than ever. With more referrals and interest, we introduced a higher intake of placement counsellors this year to accommodate our clients needs.
Starting in January, we have successfully run seven Monica programmes for female survivors of domestic abuse and three Wise Guys programmes for male survivors. For the first time, we delivered some of the programmes in different areas of Hertfordshire and online to make the programmes more accessible. Many of those who attended have gone on to complete our new programmes, or have chosen to be mentors, using all they have learnt to support others attending the groups.
But it’s not only adults we work with, we also offer a range of Creative therapy for children and young people at Vale House. Thanks to funding, we have supported even more children locally this year. Young Herts, our healthy relationships programme aimed at year 6 primary school pupils has been delivered to over 20 schools and we are delighted to have received funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Community Fund to be able to continue this in the new year!
We’ve also been honoured that our work has received external recognition with Future Living shorted-listed as a finalist for the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce Community Champion Award and Young Herts Highly Commended in the national Children And Young People Now Awards in November.
We were excited to see the cafe re-open again earlier in the year. Heidi took over the space and launched Nourish, The Healthy Cafe. It has gone from strength to strength, bringing a range of nutritious food and drinks to Hertford and has been well received by our clients and the team, especially the buffet that Heidi made for our AGM in June.
The team have been busy attending many events and networking opportunities, some of which have enabled us to work with other local charities and organisations and form new relationships. Local businesses have generously chosen to support us too, like The Sarries in Hertford who raised money for us during the Musical Mystery Tour and Quattro Lounge, Hertford, who hosted a Disney themed quiz. We’re also hugely grateful to our local BNI Chapter who have supported our work throughout the year with fundraising events and volunteering. More recently, ChildBase Nurseries, Hertford Barns and Riverview donated Christmas presents to some of the children and families we support, which were kindly donated by parents from the nurseries.
Our staff team has grown and we have welcomed Jodie, a former client, who has joined the charity as a trainer and caseworker and we have grown our children’s counselling team, with Nancy and Chris joining. We’ve also been excited to welcome two new trustees to Future Living, Josh Dean our local MP and Victoria Wood from Longmore Solicitors, both of whom bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and passion to the board.
It’s been a busy, but successful year. And whilst, sadly, there are still women, children and men harmed by domestic abuse, we will be here walking alongside them as they recover, rebuild and go on to thrive. We’re excited about the opportunities 2026 will bring, and your donation could help us be there for more survivors of domestic abuse, when they need us most.
If you would like to make a donation to Future Living this Christmas, you can do so through our Christmas campaign on Just Giving:: https://tinyurl.com/FLHChristmas
To find out more about any of our services, email: [email protected]
