Praise for Patch as support group gets string of nominations

Praise has flooded in for Patch Family Support which becomes the latest entry in this year’s Best of Hartlepool competition.

A string of nominations were submitted for the Stranton-based cause - and for its manager Jan Dobson.

One said: “They supported me greatly being a single parent.”

Another said: “They are like an extended family” while yet another commented: “I actually can’t thank them enough for all their hard work.”

And for Jan, the praise included this comment from a grateful parent who said: “Jan has worked tirelessly for many years to keep PATCH, its staff and the benefiting community afloat. Jan is a dedicated person who believes in people and the welfare of all.”

Patch has been running for 23 years in Hartlepool and offers a range of help.

l There’s support for any family with children aged under 11.

l Individual home help is also on offer.

l Family support groups where children can learn, play and be interactive is available.

l Essential safety equipment can be fitted in people’s homes.

l Information on accident prevention can be given.

And there’s much more besides at a group helps everyone from families who are new to the Hartlepool area, to those where parenting issues are a problem.

Patch has been nominated for the community group of the year category.

And Jan, who has been manager for all of Patch’s time in the town, is in the running in the fundraiser of the year section.

She said: “It is so wonderful. I put a lot of work into this and I can’t believe that people have recognised and acknowledged that.”

But Jan was quick to praise the “wonderful staff” at Patch which is a voluntary organisation offering confidential support to families with young children.

The Best of Hartlepool awards are held in association with Niramax, and in which Specsavers, Stagecoach North East and Hart Biologicals are category sponsors.

Make your nominations at www.jpne-events.co.uk.