Bringing people together

A parent and child group set up by Adullam Homes’ Next Steps team in Wood Street, Bolton, is delivering some great results for those involved. Designed to encourage positive engagement with support agencies and organisations, and to help members find work, the group is open to residents from Wood Street and Bridgeman Place.

 The most recent of the group’s weekly meetings attracted a strong attendance by families and external partners. The environment was warm and welcoming, with children participating in activities, games, and shared laughter throughout the morning.

One of the guests was Hayley from Funding Futures, who shared information on upcoming training opportunities in beauty, nails, and eyelash services. In addition, group members met with Carol from Baby Blossom, who provided details of a range of valuable professional contacts.

Initial planning took place for a forthcoming Christmas event, at which Santa will be a very welcome attendee.

The group has received generous donations of toys and gifts, which mean children will receive gifts and that there will be plenty to keep them occupied during the get-togethers. Amazon has given a £100 book donation and a local company has offered to supply treats for the Christmas party.

Positive engagement

Looking further ahead, Empowering Women will be delivering a talk aimed at inspiring and supporting local women in the New Year, with a number of pamper stations set up in the community room to run alongside it. The stations will be facilitated by qualified volunteers, each of whom will share details of their personal journey, including how they enrolled in Funding Futures training and subsequently established their own businesses.

At the end of January, free enrolments for a selection of skills-based courses will be opened. These opportunities will be available to members of the community who wish to enhance their qualifications and explore new career pathways.

Adullam’s Locality Manager for the Northwest, Dawn Thornber, said: “We are very pleased with how this relatively new group is going and want to thank partners for their support in making it a success. We look forward to seeing it continue to achieve positive engagement and deliver valuable outcomes for everyone involved.”