Who would think the Algarve, such a thriving holiday resort, would have a hidden side? Rubbing shoulders with the tourists and the luxury hotels and bars, there exist families who struggle to make ends meet for whatever reason.

Associação Guarda chuva (The Umbrella Association)

The term ‘guarda chuva’ literally means a shelter for protection, and Support for Families – a registered charity – was set up in 2017 to do just that, to provide help and support for families that were in need. They emerged as a dedicated group who quietly began collecting and supplying equipment for needy families, that included anything in the household line – from white goods, heaters or fans, to bedding, and most importantly, items for babies and young children. In 2019 the group joined forces with Caroline Langston of Algarve Emporium Charity and with a group who run a charity shop called Tavira 2nd Chance (based in Tavira) to form Associação Guarda chuva, and in 2023 Support for Families moved into new premises in Algoz. In their first year, they had 179 visits to their ‘shop’ and a staggering number of 95 families have received help.

The families concerned mostly live in the local areas of Algoz, Pêra, Armação de Pêra, Alcantarilha, Guia and Albufeira. Many of the families that are being helped were originally referred from the Freguesia, and others have been referred by ‘word of mouth’ – some newcomers from Brazil, India and Nepal are ‘kick-started’ by Support for Families until they are able to stand on their own feet.


School Equipment

Their main concern recently was supplying school bags and equipment for school-age children whose families were struggling to stretch their budgets, and an amazing 118 bags were collected and distributed. At Christmas last year over 100 children received a Christmas present from Santa (Sean Greene) and his ‘little helper’ (Eileen Dalton), who kindly stepped in to make it a special event, and this year they are desperate to gather enough funds together to buy gifts for the children again.

The dedicated team is made up of Su Davis and her husband Mike, and together with Lucy Mason and other friends who are willing to help when needed. They keep in touch with the local community and provide help wherever they can, even to the extent of asking around if a certain item has been requested, such a safety stairgate to keep a toddler safe, for instance. One friend volunteers by giving English lessons, and is currently teaching a young lady who has just arrived from Cuba, with very little of anything.

Donations Needed

They rely heavily on donations of babies’ and children’s clothing too, and funds are always needed to provide ‘starter packs’ of hygiene products, nappies etc. for mothers and new babies, together with providing brand-new children’s underwear, socks, shoes, school bags and equipment where necessary.

Christmas is Coming

Whatever cannot be found from donations has to be purchased, and the money has to come from somewhere! Currently, they are hoping to buy new Christmas toys again, and any support would be welcome to help purchase much needed gifts for the children whose parents struggle to find extra funds for the holiday season.

If you feel you are able to help them financially with a donation, however large or small, it can be sent to the association’s bank account Crédito Agricola Bank IBAN: PT50 0045 7011 4031 6715 4683 8 (please mark it for Support for Families) and it will be deeply welcomed. Please phone Su Davis on 932307548 or email her at: su.davis@sapo.pt if you think you can help by donating any unwanted items, they will be much appreciated by someone out there.

Author

Marilyn writes regularly for The Portugal News, and has lived in the Algarve for some years. A dog-lover, she has lived in Ireland, UK, Bermuda and the Isle of Man. 

Marilyn Sheridan