Sheffield Hallam University

Sheffield Hallam University has received a Homewards Fund grant to employ a Family Link Worker at Meadows Nursery, a community hub that takes a whole family approach to addressing the multiple challenges that local families face, including poverty and risk of homelessness.
Based in the Shirecliffe area of Sheffield, Meadows Nursery, a collaboration between Sheffield Hallam University and Save the Children UK, has experienced increasing demand for its services. The Link Worker will be employed for two years, to extend the type, quality and reach of support already offered to local families.

By embedding the role within the nursery, which is already trusted within the community, the project will enable earlier and immediate tailored relief for families experiencing financial hardship to help prevent homelessness. Along with involving families in the co-design of the project to ensure it meets their needs, this approach aims to upskill parents, empower families and give a platform to those advocating their own solutions, while addressing the underlying causes of homelessness.