Blossom and Bloom, a vital charity supporting mothers and babies in Rhyl, Denbighshire, will shut down on May 30. This decision follows a torrid drop in funding. Founded in 2020 by Vicky Welsman-Millard, the charity has provided essential support, social opportunities, training, and education for new parents, particularly those facing challenging circumstances such as homelessness.
The charity uses two large shops/hubs within the White Rose Centre. It’s proven to be a real winner, helping more than 700 at-risk families in the local community. Each of those families might be a homeless mother and child duo who have enjoyed the charity’s extensive services. Sadly, Blossom and Bloom have become wholly reliant on Levelling Up cash dished out through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). This reliance has proven to be unsustainable. The Denbighshire council announced a reduction in funding for all local projects due to a “significant reduction in available funding,” directly impacting Blossom and Bloom’s operations.
Fast forward five years, and Welsman-Millard saw those same emergency needs of homeless mothers in Rhyl. Moved by compassion, she formed the nonprofit in order to offer them safe and dignified housing. Though she has long since left Columbia, her dedication to serving families with the greatest needs lives on. Through her daily efforts, she has designed a safe harbor for new parents to seek support and friendship.
The closure of Blossom and Bloom means the loss of six paid staff positions. It will cut six irreplaceable positions of volunteer leadership from the community. The charity’s running costs are around £100,000 a year, covering staff salaries and keeping the building going. Despite receiving UKSPF funding for the past three years, Welsman-Millard noted that this money was “time-limited due to the nature of the funding,” making it increasingly difficult for the charity to secure ongoing financial support.
Families that have benefitted from Blossom and Bloom’s services would be eternally grateful. They are grateful for the profound, positive difference their favorite charity has made in their lives. Eloise Garland remarked on how the charity “supported her in so many different ways,” emphasizing its role in alleviating pressure on other services.
Cerys McCormick echoed similar sentiments, stating, “They know what you are going through,” highlighting the empathy and understanding that Blossom and Bloom staff offer to parents facing various challenges. Sarah Jones-Wallace shared her experience, saying, “come in, have a cup of tea,” indicating the welcoming atmosphere that characterized the charity’s hubs.
In 2023, only one woman came to Blossom and Bloom seeking help. She described her presence there as “literally saving” her during a difficult stretch and shared her deep appreciation. This sentiment really illustrates just how critical Blossom and Bloom has been in providing aid to local families. For all its youth, it has made a large impact.
Now that the closure date is quickly approaching, fears are mounting. Residents are understandably concerned about the loss of specialized services for new parents in the region. All of the families who come through Blossom and Bloom rely on them for tangible support. They forge emotional bonds with other travelers busting similar trails.
