“I would encourage anyone who is wanting to make a positive impact on their community to investigate Kids Matter, as you can absolutely see an amazing positive change in parents, families and individual children.”
Hi from Yeovil in Somerset!
Introduced to Kids Matter three years ago, I quickly signed up to train as a facilitator and was really captivated with the training that followed. With a background in both further education and early years I am not easily impressed, yet I was! There is an essential beauty to the Kids Matter programme, in coming alongside parents who are struggling and holding up a mirror that focuses on the good and encourages them to understand the positive changes they can make for themselves. As facilitators, we stand with them and bring hope. A phrase that often emerges by the end of the programme (and one I try to encourage) is, “I am a good mum” or “I am a good dad.”
Yeovil Community Church has a rich community support ethos with a diverse range of services, including a food bank that began in 1991 and Yeovil4Family – a support project set up in response to additional support needed by many families in our community. Most of my referrals come from Yeovil4Family although some come from social workers who have seen the impact Kids Matter has had on their clients.
Before lockdown I aimed to run one Kids Matter group per term. I am currently completing my first virtual programme although the parents are loath to finish as they have enjoyed it so much! Trying to fit a two hour in-person programme into one hour online has been tough – facilitating sessions with very vulnerable parents that like to talk…and the lack of cake, but we have persevered!
I would encourage anyone who is wanting to make a positive impact on their community to investigate Kids Matter, as you can absolutely see an amazing positive change in parents, families and individual children. This change is far reaching; not only evidenced in the immediate interactions within families but reaching forward into the future as children engage more positively with education and are better prepared for employment. The opportunity for children to reach their potential is improved.
Kids Matter brings hope into the centre of our families and through them, into our communities.