December 13th -
This year has started with a flourish at FFL, seeing a plethora of groups blossom throughout the term as the team have got to work in schools and community centres around Leeds. After the dark days of lockdown, it has been wonderful to be back in person alongside the families we support and see the grins of the children! Children have been discovering a love for healthy foods during Family Cookery Clubs, with the addition of our new food and nutrition slots. We were thrilled to hear from a parent last week who told us, “My son eats vegetables in his meals now!”
Parents and carers have enjoyed reading and writing with their children. Recently a parent shared with us just how much of a difference the group had made: “My daughter keeps bringing me books at home to read with her! She never normally does that! So we have started reading together more. And ever since joining Story Tellers, she keeps wanting to write stuff at home and practice her letters. I can’t believe it!”
We have been delighted to see children really open up in Mentoring Groups. Hot topics have been anxiety and anger issues. One child even had the courage to share a book on anxiety with the group, which she had been inspired to read after a session!
What a great term it’s been!
Did you know that one in five children in the UK don't own their own book? The cost of living crisis is hitting families hard this Winter; particularly for families in the most deprived areas of Leeds where access to books is becoming even more limited.
We are really pleased to play a part in shaping the Leeds Food Strategy.
On the day that the new Prime Minister is announced, Flourishing Families was interviewed as part of BBC Breakfast’s feature on the cost of living crisis.
The cost of living crisis is hitting hard from every angle. Families are facing the impossible choice between putting food on the table and turning the heating on.