Parents’ Support project celebrated 20 years of community care with a bumper day of family fun, food and friendship.

Initially conceived as a pilot project in 1999, the Parents’ Support project continues to help young mums and dads who have previously come from the care system, with the intention of breaking the cycle and providing opportunity and hope for the families involved.

In the last 12 months alone, BCM’s support workers have helped 26 young parents and 38 children under the age of five. Many parents, families, children and young people that have benefitted from the project’s service provision turned up to enjoy games, face painting, candyfloss machine, all the BBQ food you could eat, and much more, at the event in the grounds of Regent Street Methodist Church.  We were also delighted to welcome Jim Shannon MP, NICMA and Employers for Childcare.

Karen Missi, Parents’ Support Project Manager, has been there since the beginning and has seen the life-changing, and often life-saving, difference the work has made;

“We offer parents the practical and emotional support that will improve the emotional and physical health of both themselves and their children. We strive to reduce any sense of isolation they may be feeling or experiencing, whether as a result of their current situation or through past experiences.

“We know, first-hand, how vital it is to equip parents with the necessary skills and resilience that will allow their children the best possible start in life.”

Throughout the last two decades, the support of Regent Street Methodist Church in the town has been immeasurable with safe, secure spaces for the families to meet and both facilities and volunteers at immediate supply as and when required.

The 20-year anniversary event was free to attend for all who came, with Karen and her team welcoming over 100 well-wishers and friends.