Page 18 - link magazine

Family News

Butterflies celebrates first birthday children’s centre, the team have needs, which could be medical,
worked with council officers to
developmental or emotional.
reshape our service by involving Tanya said: “Anyone can face
the community and the families we challenges in their lives no matter
work with. We’ve paid particular their background; it may feel
attention to those who have overwhelming at times. Talking
benefited from extra support at to someone can be very daunting,
challenging times in their lives and but parents are reassured they
taken note of how we can continue are not alone. We are not here to
to help and support as many judge, but to listen and offer ideas.
families with under 5s as possible.” I am extremely proud of the skills
The centre has developed a our team have - from accredited
programme of activities to support parenting course trainers, for both
families with different needs by behaviour and autism, parenting
running a number of drop-in specialists, counselling and
The Butterflies team, from left to right, Amanda Wray, Tracy Badger, groups. The intention is to provide therapist qualifications, qualified
Tanya Parkinson, Nicola Walton, Joanne Bermingham, Julia Osmond, places within the community where teacher status and more.”
Catherine Talmage and Cath Ferguson
parents can meet and support each Butterflies has worked intensively
The team at Butterflies Family other. This is especially important with over 500 families, over 90
Centre, based at Abbey Meads in a community like North Swindon per cent of whom have stayed and
Community Primary School where families often move in completed their support and 96 per
celebrated a successful first year at without having the support of cent show a positive change for
a birthday party on 23 May. family nearby, with always at least their family. During the first part of
The centre, which was formerly one trained member of staff on 2016 more than 1,700 adults and
Butterfly Children’s Centre, was hand for advice and support. children used the centre.
formed last year following Swindon A number of the Butterflies team After receiving some intensive
Council’s reconfiguring of children’s are family and parent support support a mother wrote to the
centres across the borough. advisors who run smaller groups centre, saying: “Thank you is not
A selection of families joined staff, offering additional support for enough, but I want you to know
volunteers, councillors and council invited and/or referred families. how amazing you all are and what
officers to take part in singing, These give carers and children time a difference you have made in mine
dancing, craft and messy activities. to discuss concerns in a nurturing and my children’s life. I am not
Council chief executive John Gilbert environment where trust is built. sure if I would be where I am today
cut the birthday cake. Staff also provide outreach to without your support.”
Manager Tanya Parkinson said: families on a one-to-one basis Tanya said: “Feedback like this is
“Since being decommissioned as a for issues like family breakdown, so humbling. We are delighted that,
low mental health, addiction, together with Swindon Council, we
domestic abuse, parenting concerns have achieved such success within
and children with additional our first year as a family centre.”
Active family events on Sunday 26 June

The Swindon branch of the National need. See more details on Facebook:
Childbirth Trust is holding a Jubilee SwindonNCT
Tea Party to celebrate the 60th year Baby and kids markets
of the parent support charity on 26 • Highworth Community Centre,
June, 11am to 12.45pm. 11am to 12.30pm. Tables available
Taking place at Redhouse at £10, or £15 for traders to sell
Community Centre in North pre-loved items for 0 to 10 year
Please call us at Swindon, there will be children’s olds. Entry £1; kids free. To book
Windmill Hill to entertainment, outdoor games, a mail: [email protected]
arrange a nursery cream tea and raffle.
tour just for Tickets are £1 for adults and • St Joseph’s Catholic College,
Ocotal Way, 10.30am to 12.30pm.
you and we will £3 for children. The proceeds Entry £1; kids free. Stalls available
look forward to will support the group’s Mummy to sell items at £15. Business stalls:
welcoming you to Bundles project which provides £25. To book mail: libbyandlaura@
our Outstanding some essentials for new mothers in babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk
Nursery
Talk about teaching a love of reading

Former Westlea School headteacher and
children’s author Neil Griffiths will talk
about ‘Giving children a life long love of
reading’ at the Friends of Christ Church
annual lecture on Sunday 26 June, 3pm.
An entertaining and amusing
storyteller, Neil will fully involve those
who attend in why reading underpins a
child’s development.
Tickets on the door are £2; under
16’s free. Members of Friends of Christ Neil with children at Brook
Church free entry. Field Primary School in 2015
www.cornertolearn.co.uk
18 swindonlink.com n June 2016

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