FSN was founded in 1939 for the purpose of looking after disadvantaged children, especially orphans. Over a period of 46 years, FSN opened 8 children’s homes and thousands of children passed through its doors. By the 1970’s, changes were taking place in children’s services, and by 1985, all of the homes were closed. However, faced with an increasing social need, FSN opened new residential hostels and developed their first community services. Between 1985 and 1999, FSN developed services such as play schemes, took over a local day nursery, started a Fun Bus and developed a local family support project.
In 1999, FSN sold its properties and moved to the St Nicholas Centre site where it stands today. Major building works took place to support plans for the delivery of services, including installing a lift, conversion of the basement and creating rooms to hire and office space to let. Since 1999, FSN has further developed the site which now includes a purpose built day nursery, a Children’s Centre offering health and family support services for children under the age of 5 and a multi-use games area.
In 2004, FSN expanded its services into the Robsack Centre which had been at risk of closure, raising vital funds to refurbish the building to provide office space, a dedicated childcare space and a new climbing wall.
Since opening its first nursery, St Nick’s in 2003, FSN now offers provision for children across 3 further nurseries, including Greenway Nursery, opened in 2007, Little Common Nursery opened in 2013 and most recently Silverdale Nursery opened in 2015.
FSN also delivers a range of services across a wide area including Hastings, St Leonards, Rother and Wealden, responding to the changing needs of the community and the children, young people and families that live there.
It is with thanks to the dedication, commitment and creativity of staff, volunteers and supporters which has ensured the success and growth of FSN from its beginnings to the present day.
FSN aims to provide effective and professional caring action without discrimination and favour for children and young people suffering the effects of poverty, disadvantage, neglect and abuse. Trustees and staff together agree that the following values must underpin our work:
TO ALLEVIATE
• Poverty • Disadvantage • Discrimination • Social exclusion
TO PROMOTE
• Equality • Needs led services • Participation
TO BELIEVE IN
• Community • Social justice • Preventative action
