Empowering Parents and Kids: Insights from Our Parent Matters Session on May 16th

On Saturday, May 16th, we hosted an inspiring event called Parent Matters, designed to support parents and children as they navigate the challenges of today’s world. This session was brought together by local community resources to share valuable information and practical tools. The day was filled with engaging talks, hands-on activities, and opportunities for families to connect and learn. Here’s a detailed look at what made this event so impactful.

Bringing Together Local Experts for Parents’ Support

We partnered with our local Social Prescriber from Badgerswood and Forest Surgery to create a space where parents could access trusted advice and resources. The event featured several guest speakers who brought their expertise to the table; with a welcome speech from Dr Laura Clark.

• Helen Mothersole, Director of Service Development at Havant and East Hants Mind, shared insights on mental health support for families. She emphasized the importance of recognizing early signs of stress and anxiety in both parents and children, and how to seek help before challenges escalate.

  
  

• Cherry Russel, a family coach, offered practical strategies for improving communication within families. Her tips focused on building trust and understanding between parents and children, which can reduce conflicts and strengthen relationships.

  
  

• Samantha Echo, a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, explained how emotional wellbeing affects children’s development. She provided advice on how parents can support their children through difficult emotions and build resilience.

  
  

• Jodie Farrow Gibbs from Y+ Youth Services highlighted local programs available for young people. She encouraged parents to connect with these services to help their children find positive social activities and peer support.

  
  

Each speaker brought a unique perspective, creating a well-rounded program that addressed mental health, family dynamics, and youth engagement.

Activities That Build Resilience in Children

While parents attended the talks, children took part in specially designed activities to build their resilience and confidence. These sessions were led by professionals skilled in creative and physical approaches:

• Drama Workshops: Cheryl Hallett and Cherry Russel from Flip Theatre guided children through drama exercises that encouraged self-expression and teamwork. These activities help children develop emotional awareness and problem-solving skills in a fun, supportive environment.

  
  

• Physical Fitness Session: After drama, children moved to Mercers Gym, where two local coaches led a fitness session focused on teamwork and physical health. This combination of mental and physical activities supports overall wellbeing and helps children learn how to manage stress through movement.

  
  

These activities gave children a chance to engage with peers and adults in positive ways, building skills that will benefit them beyond the event.

Practical Takeaways for Families

The Parent Matters session was designed not just to inform but to equip families with tools they can use every day. Here are some key takeaways shared during the event:

• Recognize early signs of stress in yourself and your children, such as changes in mood, sleep, or appetite.

  
  

• Create open communication channels by setting aside regular time to talk without distractions.

  
  

• Encourage emotional expression through creative activities like drawing, storytelling, or drama.

  
  

• Stay active together to boost mood and reduce anxiety.

  
  

• Connect with local support services early to access help when needed.

  
  

Parents left the event with printed resources and contact information for local organizations, making it easier to follow up on the advice given.

Building a Stronger Community Through Collaboration

This event was a great example of how local organizations can work together to support families. By combining expertise from mental health professionals, family coaches, youth workers, and fitness instructors, Parent Matters created a comprehensive support system. The collaboration also helped raise awareness about the resources available in the community, encouraging families to reach out and connect.

What’s Next for Parent Matters?

The success of this session has inspired plans for future events. We aim to continue offering workshops and activities that address the evolving needs of parents and children. Feedback from attendees highlighted the value of both the expert talks and the interactive sessions for kids. We encourage families to stay involved and watch for upcoming opportunities to learn and grow together.

If you would like to be informed of any of these sessions please do get in touch.

info@wb-ct.org or call 07762961849