Thriving Families Project: Supporting Families Together Across Cheshire

Jessica Conner
Sep 1
2 min read

Raising a family is one of life’s biggest joys, but it can also come with challenges. That’s why the Thriving Families Project was created, to make sure parents and children in Ellesmere Port, Northwich and Winsford have the right support when they need it most.

3 people sat in a meeting in a school classroom laughing with coffee cups, they are discussing the thriving families project and healthbox's family support

A partnership initiative delivered alongside Koala North West and Home-Start. Together, we are providing vital support for families living in Ellesmere Port, Northwich, and Winsford, with a particular focus on improving wellbeing and access to services.

Who we are

Healthbox CIC is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving health and wellbeing across Cheshire. Our team provides services ranging from counselling and nutrition support to exercise programmes and community wellbeing projects. As part of Thriving Families, our role is to deliver children’s counselling in Cheshire alongside parent support sessions, ensuring families can access professional mental health support at the right time.

Who Koala North West are

Koala North West provides practical and emotional support to families with children aged 0–11. Their mission is to give every child the best start in life, by working closely with parents to build confidence and resilience. Their experienced team of family support workers helps parents strengthen relationships, manage daily challenges, and find positive solutions.

Who Home-Start are

Home-Start is a national charity with local branches across Cheshire, providing family support in Cheshire through trained volunteers who offer practical help and friendship. Home-Start supports parents in creating a nurturing environment for their children, offering everything from emotional reassurance to hands-on support with daily routines.

Why this family support project matters

By bringing together our combined expertise, the partnership ensures that families have access to holistic support:

Children’s counselling to help young people cope with emotions and experiences.
Parent support in Cheshire to empower parents and carers.
Family support services to build stronger, more resilient homes.

Laura, Director of Healthbox and member of the Koala North West team planning the thriving families project in a school hall. They are discussing healthbox supporting the project with children's counselling support

Funded by the community, for the community

This important work is funded by Cheshire Community Foundation and Cheshire West and Chester Council, whose support enables us to reach families who need it most.

Together, we are creating a positive ripple effect across the community – giving children the tools to thrive, parents the support they deserve, and families the confidence to look forward.