Family Residentials Youth and Community
This activity to support whole families was developed in response to needs identified through work on the Mobile Youth Project and has been a regular activity since 2002.
The residentials are held at the Pioneer Centre, Cleobury Mortimer in Shropshire, an ideal venue with 200 acres of grounds, en-suite facilities and qualified outdoor pursuits instructors.
Each residential is attended by selected families and their children, around 30 adults and children in all, plus staff and volunteers. These families are chosen by our staff on the basis of need, for example those with low self-esteem, with ADHD or coping with bullying. The residential course is intensively staffed so that we can give maximum input during the week and work closely with each family.
Throughout the week, staff support parents and children in working through the issues they face and to find practical solutions. As a result, families return home with stronger relationships and better equipped to face the challenges of their everyday lives. Also following their return home, we keep in touch with the families so we can provide follow-up support. In addition to parenting, we have been able to help with other issues, such as housing needs and resolving personal debt.
The response to these residential events has been extremely positive on all sides and we wish to develop them further, offering them at different times of the year. This is because we have seen the impact they can have on children's behaviour and outcomes and, by helping families with their parenting, we can help children from disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve their full potential. The residential is a proven life-changing projects, based on a successful formula.
Analysis undertaken by The Children's Fund Northamptonshire, found high levels of satisfaction among both parents and children who attended the residential. Especially appreciated by parents were the workshops on parenting skills and drug-proofing, while the children and young people most enjoyed the outdoor activities.
We are planning to establish bases nearer to Northampton from which to offer more courses to meet the greater need for our support.
Parent quotes
"I've learned a lot parenting wise - it's been an eye opener."
"It was fantastic as a parent to see your children blossom."
"We're taking these timetables home with us because they work, having a set meal in the morning, the afternoon and the evening - when we're at home all this can be incorporated into everyday life."
Last updated on 17/06/08 by Phil Sorrell
