New East Lothian Drop-In Service: DARED Fundraising

Just over three months have passed since we completed DARED 2022, and since then, we’ve been busy deciding what the money raised from The DARED Challenge should go towards to help Circle’s children and families.

In 2019, our East Lothian Team shared ideas around developing a drop-in service for parents in the local community. However, Covid-19 closed down any plans to book a suitable venue in order to do so.

Fast forward two years later, and as things opened up again, and funding became available from DARED 2022, the team were able to continue discussions, and make plans to develop the drop-in service. On 7th September this year, the East Lothian team held their first parents’ drop-in session at the Pennypit Community Centre in Prestonpans!

The drop-in service, is free and offers a confidential and relaxed space for families and parents to come for a cup of tea and a chat and receive support in a non-threatening and friendly environment.

The East Lothian Family Outreach Workers offer advice to parents on subject areas such as managing stress, good parenting, understanding their children’s behaviour, health and wellbeing, substance use, relationships and budgeting.

The drop-in service runs every two weeks and is also open to children of all ages and provides toys and activities for them to play with.

The service is open to families supported by Circle on a regular basis, but is also ideal for families in the local community seeking some extra support, who can just “drop in” as required.

It has been felt for a long time that parents can face a range of challenges and could benefit from a confidential, respectful and family friendly space to talk through their worries, identify their strengths and work out a way forward for them, therefore the development of the drop-in service is a really positive step towards supporting parents in the local community.

At Circle, we know that being a parent is a rewarding and challenging role. We also know families come in many shapes and sizes. We value every individual’s experience and we know more than ever, that times are pretty tough right now.

Parents and children have told us they value our service and we are delighted to have been given the opportunity to be able to develop the drop-in service to really help families pause, take a breath, get in contact with their strengths, while seeking sound advice and a listening ear.

The DARED money has helped the East Lothian Team book a suitable venue every fortnight and purchase consumable items and crafts for the kids. The East Lothian Team and everyone at Circle really appreciate our DARED participants sweat and aching legs for the cause, so THANK YOU for all your effort and allowing us to make the drop-in service happen.

 


 

If you’d like to find out more about The DARED Challenge, visit: https://circle.scot/support-us/dared-challenge/

If you have any questions at all, or would like to find out more information, please just get in touch at kirsten.wales@circle.scot.