• Swindon & Wiltshire Social
• Tuesday September 9 2025

Goughs and Home-Start North Wiltshire support families with Teddy Bears’ Picnic

Law firm Goughs has partnered with its charity of the year Home-Start North Wiltshire to host a Teddy Bears’ Picnic for families in Melksham.

The free family event brought together parents and children, providing a much-needed boost during the summer holidays.

Each family received a delicious lunchbox courtesy of local sandwich shop The Picnic Box in Melksham, along with a brand-new teddy bear for the children to choose and take home.

“It was a special day and wonderful to see firsthand how our charity of the year makes a real difference in our community,” said Daisy Froggatt, marketing executive at Goughs.

“Meeting the families that Home-Start North Wiltshire supports and seeing their joy throughout the afternoon was truly heartwarming,” added Samamtha Petterson, associate solicitor at Goughs.

One parent said: “It was a really lovely event – fantastic to be able to do something completely free as a family. We felt really cared for.” Another added: “Thank you so much for this afternoon. We all had such a lovely time! The picnic was delicious, and the teddy bears were really appreciated.”

The timing proved particularly valuable for families during the lengthy summer break, with the attendees agreeing the event helped them during the school holidays.

“We didn’t have much going on for the summer. This event gave us a boost,” said one grateful parent.

The atmosphere was described as “notably warm and welcoming,” with families praising the evident care and preparation that went into creating a supportive environment where both children and parents felt at ease. Special touches like dressing-up costumes proved particularly popular with the younger attendees.

“Great to have a completely free family event and free food was hugely appreciated,” noted one father. “It provided a lovely chance for us to do something different as a family. Fantastic for dads to be included too.”

Joanne Kent, fundraiser and community engagement organiser at Home-Start North Wiltshire said: “We were thrilled when Goughs suggested organising a Teddy Bear picnic for our supported families in Melksham.

“The school holidays can prove especially challenging for our families, so it was wonderful to give them a fun activity to enjoy together.

“Everyone had a wonderful time, and we are incredibly grateful to Goughs for their support and enthusiasm to get involved.”

Home-Start North Wiltshire supports families with young children who are experiencing challenging times including isolation, loneliness, financial struggles, poor health, and multiple birth.

Support is offered through their free home-visiting and group support services which provides emotional and practical support.

The charity helps families living in Melksham, Calne, Chippenham, Devizes, Marlborough, Tidworth and Pewsey. Group support is offered in Melksham, Trowbridge and Tidworth.