PRESS RELEASE: CHARITIES TEAM UP FOR PARENT WORKSHOP

Friends of the Family teamed up with Winchester Young Carers in June to provide a Craft and Cake workshop for parents who are currently receiving support from both charities. The free event enabled parents to meet others going through similar situations and to talk with professionals who may be able to offer help.

Held at KAYAK in Winnall, the workshop was attended by eight mums and dads and was led by Jill and Lin from the Colour Factory in Winchester who demonstrated the art of making bead hearts and crowns to the group.

Jill said: “It was great to work with such a creative and inspired group of parents in a lovely relaxed environment. Although everybody started off with the same craft project, the final beaded hearts were delightfully different and unique works of art.”

The event was organised by Sam Hunt, 5s to 13s Befriending Manager at Friends of the Family and Anna Hutchings, Activities and Support Coordinator at Winchester & District Young Carers. Adele Dodds from Parent Voice was also on hand to let parents know about the support the organisation offers to families with children with additional needs.

Sam Hunt, from Friends of the Family, said: “It was wonderful to be able to work with Winchester Young Carers again and organise a second workshop for our parents. It was a very rewarding afternoon which clearly benefitted all the mums and dads who came.”

One mum commented: “I have really enjoyed making my bead heart and meeting the other parents. This was such a lovely afternoon and was just what I needed.”

Parents enjoyed a range of homemade cakes, cream and strawberry scones and chocolate cookies with tea and coffee before taking their completed crafts home.

ENDS