For three weeks in late-July and early-August, each Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday afternoon, the team at Newtownabbey Family Connections have been running their annual Summer Scheme.

On Monday’s and Wednesday’s activities took place at the Dunanney Centre in Rathcoole, while Tuesday afternoons were spent in the magnificent surrounding of Hazelbank Park. 

Altogether 20 families registered to attend the scheme and over the course of the nine sessions children and adults alike enjoyed a range of themed Arts and Crafts activities,  a Party Games session, and a Dance Party.

A particular highlight was creating painted rocks which the children then hid around Hazelbank Park for members of the public to find. Special sessions were also delivered in collaboration with Mischievous Little Minds (focusing on mindfulness), and Ulster Wildlife (exploring the wildlife around us).

The scheme finished up with a Mini-Sports Day using the MUGA beside the Dunanney Centre.  

Commenting on the scheme Claire and Emma said ”

One parent said…

“my kids and I loved the summer scheme. It was a great fun and it gave us time together as a family learning new things  together, It was great to spend time with other families. I enjoyed being able to chat with other parents and it was good to see my children socialising with other children.”

Another parent simply said…

“the fully funded programme from Family Connections is a blessing for those who couldn’t afford paid ones.”

A special thanks to Nevaeh, one of the children who attended every single session becoming becoming a de facto Family Connections ‘special helper’ and the THRiVE Parent Champions who came along to help out with a number of the sessions.

The focus for Claire and Emma will now shift to planning the programme to be delivered from September as well as continuing with ongoing one-to-one parent support work.