Community Corner
Kids Matter - Our regular spotlight on a grassroots VCSE organisation in the perinatal mental health sector
What is the name of your organisation and when did you set up?
Kids Matter was set up in 2017
Where are you based?
Leicester
What services do you offer and who do you support?
Kids Matter partners with local organisations and churches to run evidence-informed, accessible parenting programmes in communities and in prisons. The programme equips mums, dads and carers facing disadvantages with the tools (confidence, competence and community) they need to build strong relationships and strong families, and reduce the impact of poverty on their children.
Our Babies Matter programme supports both expectant parents and those with new babies, and our Kids Matter programme is for families facing disadvantages with children aged 1-10 years. Both programmes are free, friendly groups that are run by trained peer facilitators and take place in local community settings such as primary schools, nurseries, community centres and church halls.
What prompted you to set up in the first place?
One thing, above all, determines a child’s future: their relationship with their parents or carer(s). This bond shapes everything . . . how children learn and thrive, their resilience, security and direction. But when children grow up in poverty, family relationships suffer – and the impact can echo through generations. Millions of children are growing up in poverty in the UK but, with a strong bond with at least one parent or carer, they can still thrive. Thus, Kids Matter was born. With a vision to strengthen families and create change for children in need. Not just for now, but for generations to come.
Do you run or plan to develop any services that reflect specific needs within your community?
At Kids Matter, we are always evaluating and re-evaluating our programmes to make sure they are accessible and that they meet the needs of the communities we are hoping to reach. We are currently thinking about versions of our programme that would be especially relevant for parents of children with additional needs or neurodiverse children, as well as for parents of tweens who are navigating the use of technology and screen time amidst a barrage of ever-changing research.
What do you find most rewarding about running your organisation?
Knowing that our programmes can make a real, lasting difference that impacts generations to come.
If you could give all parents / carers a super-power, what would that be and why?
Perhaps not a regular super-power but confidence, and community as well. With increased confidence, a parent is able to manage stressful and challenging situations with warm and encouraging parenting and this has a positive impact on their relationship with their child. Luckily our parenting programmes can help with this!
Is there anything about your service that makes it stand out from the crowd or offers something a little bit different?
Firstly, our parenting programmes are specifically for low income / low support families. They are facilitated by community peers (other parents / carers who have trained as facilitators) and whilst our programme booklets are evidence-informed and guide conversation, much of the confidence and learning happens through the shared wisdom in the room – parents and carers chatting through their own experiences and how they could do things differently to strengthen their relationships with their children. Our vision is to see every child in need raised in a strong family, creating change for children in need. Not just for now, but for generations to come.
What keeps you going when things get tough?
The stories we hear from parents and carers about how our programmes have brought positive change into their homes and made a real difference in the lives of their children. An example of the potential for change is a recent story from a mum called Fatma, who told us: "In my home, we just lived. We were just surviving. We were just eating, sleeping, going to school. Now I feel there’s a purpose to life now." (You can read the full version on our website)
What issues do you feel are currently most important to address within our sector?
Poverty impacts a parent’s ability to manage stressful events and use effective parenting skills, which can have a negative impact on the parent-child relationship. The reality, though, is that there is no quick fix for the millions of people who look poverty in the face each and every day. In the meantime . . . we can work together to support families.
Early intervention is critical and needs to be a priority. If the Government and the charity sector could come together in partnership to really support families who are isolated in their circumstances, a real difference could be made in the lives of children, impacting future generations.
Thank you to Andrea for sharing these insights on behalf of Kids Matter. You can find out more about the organisation by visiting https://kidsmatter.org.uk/ or contacting info@kidsmatter.org.uk or 0303 040 1068