As covid restrictions are gradually lifted and life turns to something resembling normality, here at Home-Start Royston, Buntingford and South Cambridgeshire, we continue to do our best to support families in need of our help. Whether this is through carefully risk-assessed home visits, outdoor meetings or family support groups – families and volunteers alike can be assured of our care and concern to mitigate risks, keeping them safe to carry on the friendly support that is so highly valued.
This term our family support groups in Royston and Buntingford have focused on Autumnal themes for the children’s creative activities, allowing them to explore natural materials such as leaves and conkers as well as learning to recognise and match autumn colours.
With plenty of volunteers to support the children’s play both indoors and out, there have been lots of opportunities for physical play, role play, small world toys as well as stories and songs. This attention allows much needed time out for parents to have a cuppa and a chat secure in the knowledge that their children are in good hands.
In October we were particularly pleased to be visited by local storyteller Liz who used puppets to bring her stories to life as well as children’s songs accompanied by her ukulele, much to the excitement and enjoyment of everyone.
Home-Start always puts the needs of the family at the centre of the support we can offer. Parents are consulted about what they would like us to include in our family group plans for the forthcoming weeks. These have included ideas for craft activities for parents as well as children, more music and dancing, and information about nutrition, portion sizes and budgeting techniques. We incorporate these ideas into our activities as we enjoy spending time together and look forward to Christmas.
