Family Link Workers
The Family Link Worker initiative places workers in both a school and local church to support families in need. The aim is to work alongside families providing practical support in areas such as healthy eating, budgeting, food preparation, parenting classes, family routines and pastoral care.
Our Family Link Workers are based in Salford Priors, Alcester Minster and Foleshill. The aim is to strengthen links between schools and churches to support vulnerable families and establish positive pastoral relationships. TFC works in partnership with the Bishops Mission Fund and different schools to fund these projects.
Salford Priors - Sarah Folkes
Sarah is our family link worker in Salford Priors, working with Salford Priors CofE Academy and St Matthews Church. Sarah has successfully run slow cooker courses and family fun days, and is currently running Messy Church and the Saplings Stay and Play group. To keep up to date with the work in Salford Priors, visit the St Matthews Salford Priors Facebook page and get in touch with Sarah for more information.
Alcester Minster - Beth Clarke
Beth is our newest family link worker, and is based in Alcester Minster. Beth has been getting stuck in working with...., setting up a new Mum and Baby group, a 'Cook and Eat Your Tea' group, raising money for vouchers for families in need at Christmas, and delivering Messy Church 'In a Bag' to over 90 children and their families. Get in touch with Beth for more information.
Foleshill - Rea Verdon
Rea is a family link worker funded by TFC based in Foleshill, working for St Lawrence's Church and St Lawrence's CofE Primary School. Rea runs coffee mornings, a Stay and Play group, Messy Church and Forest Church. For more information visit the St Lawrence's Facebook page, Instagram account or get in touch with Rea.
See below some statistics highlighting work done by our family link workers...
Stay and Play Groups
98 parents and children on average attend Stay and Play groups run by our family link workers. Stay and play is a great resource to combat isolation and build a sense of community and support for parents.
Messy Church
An average of 245 people attend Messy Church events each month, put on in our four locations. Messy Church is a very successful way of connecting families with church, and involves fun activities, a family friendly service and a meal/food. This are supported by a team of volunteers, and is normally provided as a free event.
Nurture Groups and 1-to-1 Support
All 4 of our family link workers offer 1-to-1 support to parents and children, as well as running nurture groups for children who require extra support at school and for parents to support each other. These groups often form around interests such as baking or gardening, but also take the form of coffee mornings and school clubs.
Summer Brunch Clubs
1600 meals were provided at the Summer Brunch club events in Willenhall, along with various activities. This project aims to tackle holiday hunger and build community, giving those who cannot afford a holiday a holiday at home.
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This innovative project is helping many families and ultimately helping pupils feel more secure.
