Parents on the plaza

The parents on the plaza event took place on Saturday 13 October. The event was organised by the Plymouth Parent Partnership service. Parents from all over the city celebrated the start of Parents' Week at the Plaza on Armada Way weekend. The Parents on the Plaza event included a number of information stands from more than 30 local agencies, a climbing wall plus animals from Pennywell Farm.

The Plymouth Kids and Dads project, which aims to help and encourage fathers to spend more time with their young children, offered a number of activities. There was a large arts and crafts table with things to colour, cut and paste, and an artificial rockpool with pretend crabs and octopus in it. Children also enjoyed a sand play area and imaginative play toys on the carpet.

Karen Murphy, Children's Centre Co-ordinator for the YMCA in Honicknowle, was involved in setting up the Kids and Dads project, and was at the event to offer advice on childcare.

She said: "It was very very successful for us and for Kids and Dads."

For more information about Parents on the Plaza event see below:

Parents will be heading to the Plaza in Armada Way to celebrate Parents week where a large amount of information stands will be set up on Saturday 13 October for the Parents on the Plaza event.

Parents on the Plaza will offer information and support to parents in the city from over 30 local agencies, so whether you are a single parent or have a small or large family, there will be something there for you.

The event is being organised by the city’s Parent Partnership Service, building on the work of its Parent and Family Forum. and has also been sponsored by Working Links and the Children and Young People's Trust.

The Partnership is made up of a team of paid staff and trained volunteers who offer impartial information and support to parents, carers and staff in other agencies. They provide easy access to information, support and guidance for all parents/carers, including participation in the development of services for their children and families.

This year parents and children can also see some animals from Pennywell Farm or have a go at 'Climbing the Wall'. Parents will enter the marquee and pick up a free eco-friendly goodie bag to fill with useful information.Working Links will have specialist help and advice for unemployed parents in the city, in particular single parent families.

Jo Bussell, Chairperson of the Parent and Family Forum, said 'We’re going to have an impressive range of local organisations there on the day with a wealth of knowledge and information to share with parents. There will be parent support advisers, play workers, education advisors, police and health visitors all there to help tackle tricky parenting issues.

We’ve got information about bringing up children of all ages, so whether you are dealing with challenging teenage behaviour or toddler tantrums, we can help in a down-to-earth, practical way.

But people don’t have to be struggling to cope to come to the event. It’s for anyone who is a parent and might want information about playgroups, parent support networks or any information designed to make the toughest job in the world that little bit easier. We will be inviting parents to help to shape the future of children’s services provided by Plymouth City Council.'

Local organisations with stands at the event will include Working Links, Connexions, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, YMCA, the Zone and the Probation Service, plus Council services including mental health services, behaviour support, children’s centres and road safety.

Councillor Monahan, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said 'It’s excellent that we’re celebrating parent week with such a valuable event. Parenting is a real skill and raising the future generation is a tough task, so I’m delighted that we’re highlighting the support and information available to parents should they want it.'

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