Kirkcaldy charity's weekly walks to help families through pandemic

Home-Start family group at the fairy tree in Ravenscraig Park.

The charity, which was founded in 1994, aims to support parents as they learn to cope, improve their confidence and build better lives for their children.

Before Covid-19 struck, Home-Start ran weekly family groups from Raeburn Hall in the town for families with children of pre-school age, but as restrictions were put in place, it has been unable to meet since the start of lockdown.

Now, the family group has started up weekly walks around some of Kirkcaldy’s parks.

Mary Cormack, co-ordinator, said: “Since the start of lockdown we have had to host our family group online as meeting in person was impossible.

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/transport/a92-roadworks-motorists-warned-closure-and-diversions-3029869

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/people/discovery-bones-historic-fife-caves-3030220

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/people/church-names-clerk-lead-new-look-presbytery-fife-3029944

"During this time we have been delivering activity packs for our families to take part in.

"They have a different theme each week for the children - one week we had a focus on water, with tasks that included bubble making and other fun experiments for children to do.

"We have also been holding weekly online Bookbug reading sessions where families can read along with books that have been provided for them.”

As restrictions eased, the group was able to meet outdoors for the first time in months.

"It has been great to be able to meet as a group again,” Mary said. “It can be hard for young families to raise children in isolation.

"There are things that we usually take for granted with a child’s development, such as sharing and learning to take turns – it also helps for other families to see one another for reassurance that their child is developing normally.

"One of the mums who attends the group told me that her son had not seen another child since the start of lockdown. The isolation has not only affected the children, but the parents too - so getting out and about has really worked wonders for them all.

"The kids have had an absolute amazing time on our walks. They were very excited when they found the fairy tree in Ravenscraig Park – as long as restrictions continue to ease we will continue our walks through winter.”

If you would like more information on Home-Start’s family group, please visit: Home-Start or Home-Start Facebook

Thank you for reading this article on our free-to-read website. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.