A NEW programme of workshops hailed as ‘life changing’ have begun again across the Wharfe Valley

The Wharfe Valley Family Links (WVFL) Nurturing Programme, which first started in April 2023, helps parents and carers navigate the aspects of family life that they may find the most challenging.

The first series of workshops in Burley in Wharfedale was funded by Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership, with sponsorship and support from WVFL’s partners in Burley-in-Wharfedale; notably St Mary’s Parish Centre, The Red Lion Hotel, and Little Acorns Childminding.

Now the workshops have been rolled out further with two separate programmes starting at St Mary’s Parish Centre, Burley-in-Wharfedale, on Wednesday evenings and Ben Rhydding Scout Hut on Friday mornings.

The roll out of the Family Links Nurturing Programme across the Wharfe Valley has been achieved by the hard work and dedication of Loraine Hughes and her team of seven parent-carer volunteers.

Loraine originally attended the Family Links Nurturing Programme at Burley Oaks Primary School and enlisted the help of George Walker, Burley Oaks’ Pastoral Lead and Nurturing Programme Facilitator to seek funding to roll the programme out beyond the village itself.

Wharfedale & Silsden Community Partnership have ensured ongoing funding and support across the network; together with CABAD Community Action and HALE.

The Community Leader’s Gathering set up by Caroline Rayment, of Grange Park Medical Centre, and Reverend Tim Perkins of Burley-in-Wharfedale’s Methodist Church provided further support and input to Wharfe Valley Family Links to ensure the programme would work effectively and reach as many families as possible within the community.

Loraine Hughes, of Wharfe Valley Family Links said: “Without the support and engagement from our local partners and businesses, we really could not have got this programme off the ground. Their support and commitment has been instrumental in ensuring that as many people as possible are able to benefit from the programme. Our team of volunteers believe passionately in the merits of the programme and what it can bring to family life. Without their tireless commitment to our goal of enabling access to the Nurturing Programme across the Wharfe Valley we wouldn’t have been able to help so many. Through critically-acclaimed research and techniques, it gives families the tools they need to tackle a notoriously challenging time of life.”

George Walker added: “The Family Links Nurturing Programme is changing lives and bringing positivity, support and new approaches to parents and carers who may feel they have tried everything and feel overwhelmed.”

Loraine added: “Thanks to our wonderful facilitators Vikki Wood and Josie Mitchell, and the ongoing support of our local community we intend to continue with training additional facilitators and run multiple workshops to benefit the community across different venues, into March 2024 and beyond.”

Families can access more information about the programme on Facebook - Wharfe Valley Family Links. The Nurturing Programme is free to attend, however limited spaces are available.

Contact WharfeValleyFamilyLinks@outlook.com if you are interested in finding out more about the programme.