Diocese of Chichester

Mothering Sunday is a time to give thanks for mothers and all who nurture us in love. Yet for many families in Sussex, especially single mums or those facing hardship, this day can be a quiet one without celebration. The day passes with little recognition. It may be that they are on their own with very young children, or that the family simply cannot afford to mark the occasion. 

The Bishop of Horsham invites churches across the Diocese to support our diocesan charity, Family Support Work (FSW), in bringing joy and hope to these families by making a Mothering Sunday collection to help provide gifts and ongoing care for local mothers and children in need.

Bishop Ruth said: "Our diocesan charity, Family Support Work, is ensuring that every mum they support will receive a gift this year. You can be part of this effort by holding a special Mothering Sunday collection in your church to help FSW continue its vital work."

For FSW, supporting and celebrating mums isn’t a once‑a‑year event. Throughout the year, FSW Practitioners are there to support, encourage, and equip mums so that they can be the parents they long to be—helping their children to flourish too. As one mother recently said about an FSW Mother and Baby group:
“I was in a very hard place before the group; I didn’t know where to turn. Now I feel like a different person. I can relax with my baby, and I have a whole new support network of other mums.”

This Mothering Sunday, let’s join together as the household of faith in Sussex and show our love for mothers across our county.

To find out more about Family Support Work, visit www.familysupportwork.org.