MANCHESTER SETTLEMENT COMMUNITY ON BEFRIENDERS EDITH SAYS... ‘To me, speaking to somebody is like a doctor’s tonic. You speak to nobody all day and when that friendly voice comes on the end of the line it’s like medicine. Speaking to Margret is like speaking to a daughter I never had; I mean from that from my heart. I feel blessed that I’ve been introduced to this society.’ ELAINE SAYS... ‘Knowing that people care keeps me going. This service is a lifeline in a way. At the Wednesday group they make you feel so welcome, they chat to me. And when they talk to you, you know it’s real. They really do listen to you, and it makes you want to go back even more. When I get up on a Tuesday and I’m so low, but after my call with Mags, I find I feel better, and I can get my tasks done. She’s helped me get numbers to call if I need help with certain things, she’s really there for me.’ CHIPO SAYS... ‘I enjoy coming to this group as it is a place to be with other people. I have peace of mind when I’m here with other parents. The group benefits the children as they become used to meeting and interacting with other children. It makes me confident that Nala will be prepared for the transition to nursery because she has experienced meeting other children at the stay and play sessions.’ ZOE SAYS... ‘This group is important to me as it lets the children learn to socialise before starting nursery, so it helps with their development. My shyer baby has become more confident and happier around new people since coming to the stay and play group. I appreciate that the session is adaptable to the needs of the parents. Manchester Settlement does so much for the community. There’s group support here and a bond between all the parents.’ LIANNE SAYS... ‘I rely on these play groups for my girl’s interactions and development. It gives her a safe place to socialise This is such a friendly group. As a parent the group is ‘needed’ – there was nowhere to go and meet parents in Openshaw. The number of activities and groups put on for the kids makes Manchester Settlement special.’ TOWELA SAYS... ‘I value the support of the staff. Stacey is good with the kids; she has a genuine interest in helping and caring for them. I know I can go to Stacey with any issue, and she would help me. I like that they provide a lot of activities here like waterplay, its not just playing with toys. And generous portions of healthy snacks are provided as well. I enjoy coming here to chat with other parents. It’s really important for socialising and it’s a great environment to meet other mums and parents. It’s a nice, non-judgemental and chilled environment. Knowing I have Stay and Play to go to every week makes life easier - as a busy mum it can be hard to have time to plan activities, this group allows me to have plans without having to think about it.’ The Pantry The Pantry community lets people see that they’re not the only one in a difficult situation and allows people to feel more supported by chatting to others going through similar struggles. ‘At Manchester Settlement, we provide a holistic approach to supporting people and we get to give back to the community’ ‘Manchester Settlement is special as nowhere else offers the pantry service, it’s a unique set up in comparison to other places.’ CHIPO I am proud of Manchester Settlement and I am proud to be a part of it ON STAY AND PLAY We are... 3 4
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