Family Fun Day set for Hanley Park

Family by Family, a new team from Shared Lives Plus in Stoke-on-Trent, are inviting families to a free outdoor picnic with fun activities on offer for children and adults.

Families are invited to attend the event at Hanley Park on Tuesday 24 August from 11am – 2pm.

As well as free outdoor games, a henna tattoo artist will be at the park, and children’s circus skills activities plus yoga and more will be taking place. Families are asked to bring their own picnics.

Kate Cooper, Family Coach, who’s organising the event, said: “Bring your own picnic, cross your fingers for the sunshine and come and have a go at some of the activities we’ve got on. It’s a chance to relax, meet other families and try something new. We’re looking forward to a fun day.”

The Family by Family team are meeting families in Stoke-on-Trent who want to support each other in a fun and non-judgemental way. They link up families who are experiencing tough times with families who know what it’s like and have ideas to share. It’s directed by the family seeking support, a family coach supports another family to support them and help them achieve their goals.

Family coach, Wendy Byrom said: “It’s a completely different way of doing things, there are lots of ways to get involved – you can learn new skills, meet new people and help your family to thrive not just survive. We work with the whole family including any children under 18. Come along to the picnic, we can’t wait to meet you.”

Family by Family connects Sharing Families – a family that has been through tough times and come out the other side – with Seeking Families – families who are going through tough times and want to make change in their lives.

Wendy added: “From talking to families over the past six months, we’ve learnt families in Stoke want to give back and make a difference, be better connected, learn new skills for future employment and access training. We think that no family should have to struggle alone or rely on services that don’t get it.”

The team have been set up by UK charity, Shared Lives Plus, who’ve brought the new way of supporting local families, from the Australian Centre for Social Innovation in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and the Department of Education Stoke-on-Trent Opportunity Area.

Councillor Dave Evans, Stoke-on-Trent City Council cabinet member for children and young people said: “This is a great event for families across the city to attend during the summer holidays. It’s a chance to meet new people, take part in some fun, free activities and find out more about the work the Family by Family team are doing with families in Stoke-on-Trent.”