The recently published Pillars of Community report by the Centre for Social Justice is a response to a perceived disintegration of community in our country as well as an investigation into how to enable communities to thrive, something that is important to the success of our Kids Matter parenting programme.

The first 1001 days of a baby's life is absolutely crucial period for emotional, social and cognitive development.  It is during these early weeks and months that babies start to understand the world around them and it is through their relationships with their parents or carers that help establish these foundations.  

As Mental Health Awareness Week draws to a close, we take the chance to celebrate conversation and acknowledge that parenting is hard and support is essential.

With the past year having brought such pain and created such need, stepping over the threshold (literal or psychological) and showing support, encouragement and grace to those around us is more important than ever.

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This month, we acknowledge Sharon Blyth for her perseverance, enthusiasm and unwavering dedication to the parents and families in her community.

Children’s anxiety about their imprisoned parent was heightened due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and caregivers reported children asking them questions such as: ‘Will my Dad die? Do they have enough food? What can’t he facetime? Does he still love me? Did I do something wrong? When will we see each other?’.

Following the publication of a review into reducing inequalities in the first 1,001 days of a person's life, babies and children in England will get a better start in life.

For some of us, we naturally form groups with our friends, but for millions of mothers in this country who are alone – possibly parenting without a partner or in a small flat on an estate – Kids Matter groups set in local contexts, around tea and cake with a small group of parents, are a lifeline.