Families in Medway share Christmas joy fhanks to Family Action
Families supported by Family Action’s Medway Universal Parenting Programme (UPP) and Medway Small Steps enjoyed special Christmas celebrations across Medway, bringing festive cheer to those who need it most.
Medway UPP’s event included donated gifts for both the parents and children, as well as a festive photobooth and Reindeer-themed sensory play area to help families enjoy the season without the financial strain that so many are facing.
Medway Small Steps ran a ‘Surviving the Sensory Season’ workshop for families with children that are pre or post assessment of autism or ADHD. The team offered a wealth of advice to parents to manage neurodiverse conditions this Christmas, alongside distributing Toy Appeal presents for the parents to wrap and gift.
One parent reflected how helpful Small Step’s session was, especially as they are facing their first Christmas as a single parent with one income. Another parent expressed sincere gratitude for the service’s support at this time of year.
New research* commissioned by Family Action reveals the emotional and practical toll of festive financial pressures on parents/carers, with 1 in 6 (15%) saying they can’t afford a gift for their own child and almost a third (32%) think their children will be worried about the cost of Christmas and family finances this year
Family Action’s annual Toy Appeal aims to change that story. By providing gifts to children who might otherwise go without, the appeal restores dignity, lifts pressure from struggling families and brings joy back to Christmas morning.
"In Medway we are definitely noticing the strain and financial impact on families, not being able to provide even as many presents as they have in the past for their children, and its really affecting them mentally, and Christmas just isn't the same for them this year, said Natalie Crick UPP, Service Manager.
She continued, “Family Action’s Toy Appeal just takes off that extra emotional strain - and that what we are really here for, so it's one less thing they must think about."
Family Action is urging individuals, businesses and organisations to donate and help bring joy to a child and peace of mind to a parent struggling to make ends meet.
To donate or find out more, visit: Family Action Toy Appeal