On Wednesday 30 June 2010, Catholic Children’s Society held a community consultation at St Aidans.

Free snacks and drinks were provided for the attendees and it was seen as a chance for the Family Support Team to meet local residents and agencies to gain some insight and input into the running of both the family support service and the community centre itself.

Our picture shows Michael, one of the members of our Family Support Team speaking to Pedro from another local agency.

Local residents voiced their opinions about the use of St Aidans, the recently refurbished community centre. People were asked their opinions on a range of issues including family support, the use of the outdoor area, fundraising, the use of the kitchen facilities, a family summer club and ideas regarding the indoor play area and the mural. 22 people attended in total.

There were plenty of ideas supported by and suggested by those attending. These views will inform our Family Support work and how it links to the community in Northern Moor.

Family Support  

• Health and wellbeing: information and activities on healthy eating and exercise
• Community: access to activity and interest groups, peer support groups
• Parenting: advice, training and peer support
• Family Relationships
• Welfare Rights and money advice
• Supporting children through school: numeracy /literacy support for parents/carers
• Homework club run at St Aidans
• Confidence building workshops & seminars
• Counselling service
• Legal advice regarding family issues
• Parenting courses available at weekends for families who work late & are unable to attend in the week

Use of the outdoor area

• Outdoor space for groups to use for games or relaxing
• Gardening projects: grow our own vegetables, flower garden, sensory area
• Area for people to sit with tables, chairs and parasol
• More outdoor toys for the children
• BBQ afternoons
• Sort out the black flooring outside in the back area

Fundraising

• Support local people to get sponsors for walking / cycling events
• Hold community events at St Aidan’s to raise money : CINEMA NIGHTS, SHOWCASING LOCAL TALENT, SEASONAL MARKETS OR FAIRS
• Hold BBQ event at St Aidans
• Hold family fun day at St Aidans (tombolas, bouncy castle etc)
• Sponsored swim
• Musical day (song writing, singing, instruments etc.)
• Kids football practice

If you would like to support our work at St Aidan's, you can make a donation or set up a standing order by contacting Anne Dawson on 0161 998 8802.