The Village Celebrates Two Years with Special Event for New Parents with Care Experience in Paisley

The Why Not? Trust is delighted to announce a special event to celebrate the second anniversary of The Village, taking place in Paisley this week.

Created by and for new parents and parents-to-be with care experience, in partnership with Care Visions, Early Years Scotland, and Scottish Attachment in Action, with support from The Promise Scotland, The Village is a welcoming digital community where parents can find a friendly ear, along with access to information and resources.

To mark this milestone, The Why Not? Trust invites everyone to join the celebrations on 30th August 2024, at The Tannahill Centre, 76 Blackstoun Road, Paisley PA3 1NT, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. This free event will feature a variety of activities designed to bring the community together.

The day will begin with a welcoming tea or coffee and a chance for attendees to visit the stalls before they have the option to hear about the Village in a short talk. Attendees will also have the chance to connect with other new parents with care experience, as well as with local organisations. The Village, now part of Renfrewshire’s whole family wellbeing service, will review its achievements and share its future plans during the event.

Event Highlights:

• Interactive activities for children and families, including toys, games, face painting, balloon animals, and a professional family photo opportunity.
• Networking with organisations such as Home Start, Star Project, Lone Parent Family, STAF, Scottish Attachment in Action and Early Years Scotland.
• A showcase of The Village’s role in supporting Scotland in keeping the Promise.
• Refreshments including goodie bags, tea, coffee, and sweet treats.

The Why Not? Trust will also present key highlights from The Village’s annual report. Since its creation, The Village has supported over 80 new parents with care experience and continues to grow.

The Village is an online community where new parents can connect with others via social media, online groups, or occasional in-person meet-ups. Villagers can also give and receive support through peer mentoring. In The Village, parents can find a listening ear whenever they need to offload or chat. The community is there to offer reassurance and a friendly conversation on those tougher days.

For confidential support, the team is available at any time to help with things like benefits, parenting tips (such as sleep and weaning), advocacy, and resources. The Village also offers freebies and activities, including baby yoga, massage, and sensory play, giving parents the opportunity to meet and connect.

As part of The Why Not? Trust, The Village evolves based on feedback from the community. Reflecting on its first two years, The Why Not? Trust is proud to highlight the positive impact of The Village, including significant savings for parents through funding applications and over £9,500 in backdated payments secured last year.

Moira Greentree, Executive Director at The Why Not? Trust, said, “The Village is all about creating supportive spaces for new and expectant parents with care experience. It’s a flexible and welcoming space where people can choose how involved they want to be. It’s all about creating a friendly community that helps people feel empowered as they navigate their parenting journey.”

She added, “Our second birthday is a chance to celebrate the strong community we have built together. We warmly invite local families, residents, and organisations to join us. Whether you are a new parent looking to connect with others, a local resident interested in learning more, or an organisation looking to collaborate, The Village is here for you.”

The event promises a fun-filled day for families, with a range of activities and opportunities to connect with others. Everyone is welcome to attend. Please RSVP by emailing hello@whynottrust.org.

For more information about The Village, visit the website or connect on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.