Last week, we worked alongside partners to bring together an incredible line-up of local organisations to provide activities and games for families to enjoy, and which modelled supportive and responsive play for parents to recreate at home. Together, we were delighted to welcome over 300 people (including 180 children) at the event, an increase of 50% compared to last year.
What was even better was the number of new families who came along, as well as a significant increase in the number of dads, children with special educational needs and disabilities and families from diverse communities. This is a real testament to the breadth of partners we have been working with over the past year who are so committed to supporting as many parents and carers as possible, and the many more families we have been able to reach as a result.
The impact of the event will continue to be felt beyond event; new networks of organisations working together have been formed; our Parent Connectors have meet new families, who now know where they find them for support and what else in on in their area and they have also familiarised themselves with their local Family Hub and met services in their local area who can help them.
Providing consistent support for parents and carers can’t fall on the shoulders of just one organisation. If we listen, talk and work together, we can bring the expertise, skills and resources we already have, share the responsibility and create something truly achievable and collaborative.
