Mums, dads and carers tell us how Kids Matter makes a difference
Read stories about how our programme positively impacts the lives of children and families.

Stories

We know that Kids Matter changes lives because mums, dads and carers tell us so. We hear stories of transformation from partners, facilitators and community links who work alongside families to see children thrive.

Our impact is real, and we hope that you feel encouraged and inspired as you read…

Dannielle’s Story

I would definitely recommend to anyone to come to Kids Matter because not only is it there to help you with your children and parenting, it also gives you a sense of belonging.

woman in London

Facilitator Spotlight: KK

As a person who tends to be introverted, the idea of leading a group seemed daunting. I thought it was beyond my capabilities so I lacked of confidence. But Fuzz encouraged me to do something for our community especially for those mandarin speaking immigrants who are feeling isolated as parents.

Facilitator Spotlight (prisons): Peter

I naturally feel empathetic and compassionate towards those who are marginalised and facing difficulties in prison. I felt compelled to help fathers in prison because I believe in the importance of second chances and rehabilitation.

Facilitator Spotlight (prisons): Ben

I’ve learnt that just one small insight or practical step that a dad in prison makes can have such a positive impact to their child and family.

Facilitator Spotlight (prisons): Warren

I have had my eyes opened to a world that was unknown to me and shaped entirely by media perceptions. I have developed an awareness of a system under immense strain and a deep appreciation for the people who work within that system. I have seen the wounding impacts of extreme isolation and I have not only witnessed the appetites of men to be good fathers but the wisdom found within fathers who are prisoners themselves.

Stacey’s Story

I’ve made some friends and swapped parenting tips and ideas, and it’s really changed my home life for the better. There’s a lot less shouting and screaming.

Facilitator Spotlight: Sarah Fretwell

All of the material was easy to follow and well thought through. There are loads of illustrations and helpful tips; it’s easy to navigate and all the extra support that Kids Matter offers is brilliant.

Imagine If Trust

Partner Spotlight: Rachel Marshall (Imagine If)

Parents are great at problem solving. I knew that, but it reinforced it. Give them a bit of space, the right tools and a bit of encouragement and watch what they’ll do! 

Riverbank Trust

Facilitator Spotlight: Anke Marais

Babies Matter is so much more than just a programme – it’s a loving and supportive community wrapping its arms around a family at the beginning of their parenting journey, and then staying beside them for as long as they need it.

Man at table writing notes in parenting programme

Facilitator Spotlight: Helen, Karen & the Cambridge team

We started Lighthouse, our own version of Messy Church, as a way to stay connected with families when they’ve completed the programme.

Fiona Booth Headteacher

Community link: Fiona Booth (Headteacher)

I would love as many Kids Matter programmes to run as possible because parents are acquiring skills that are not only changing their lives but the lives of their children – and they’re the lives of tomorrow.

community is strength street sign

Aida Cable: KM Donor

Strengthen the environment around a child – look after parents and carers, look after the neighbourhood and community – and that child will be strong.

mum with little girl

Amirah’s Story

When the opportunity was presented to me to become a facilitator, I was definitely nervous because I wasn’t sure what I could bring. But I saw all the benefits that Kids Matter brought to my life and to my children’s lives, and I want to share that journey and connect with other people.

Kids Matter parent

Tash’s story

I’ve learned so much patience and now I am helping facilitate a Kids Matter group. Being able to help others has helped my own confidence in my own parenting.

little girl hugging her mum on a swing in a playground in winter

Mandy’s story

See how Mandy’s experience of Kids Matter empowered her to work through her anxiety and lack of confidence, building stronger relationships with her children and enabling them to thrive.

Tammy and Phil Vickers Kids Matter facilitator and church partner

Facilitator Spotlight: Tammy Vickers 

When we came across Kids Matter, we loved the idea that we could facilitate some really practical conversations and build relationships where parents could be empowered to support each other, recognise the skills they have but also identify areas they need help with.

Kids Matter facilitator Rachel Bird smiling

Facilitator Spotlight: Rachel Bird

We have seen parents find friendship, support and community from one another where they have felt isolated; parents realising they are not the only ones who struggle, and consequently taking their masks off.

Yeovil Community Church church building

Facilitator Spotlight: Coralie Duckworth

I would encourage anyone who is wanting to make a positive impact on their community to investigate Kids Matter, as you can absolutely see an amazing positive change in parents, families and individual children.

Kids Matter parenting group in session with mums and dads sitting around a table drinking tea

Shirley’s story

My main area of concern with regards to parenting was discipline; how to listen well and discipline my children appropriately – gently rather than excessively. I was also interested in routine because I know that’s really useful when parenting.

Sharon Blyth Kids Matter facilitator standing in a garden in front of a palm tree

Facilitator Spotlight: Sharon Blyth

We may not be able to break the poverty trap and unfairness of life but we can be people who shine a light of hope to families in our work.

Kids Matter parenting programme taster sign

Facilitator Q&A: Emma Bennett

The Kids Matter programme equips parents and carers to manage their children’s behaviour, with practical advice on how to make their homes a better place.

mum with hoop earrings kissing teenage son on the cheek

Helen’s story

So much has changed since doing the Kids Matter programme. I left school at 14 (I’m now 30); I didn’t do very well back then but I’ve gone back to school to do my GCSEs and I got a B+. I’m more relaxed now; I don’t take things to heart so much. We talk more and I look at things differently.

mum standing in the sun holding lsmiling baby on playground

Maria’s Story

It was exciting when I joined the group! Particularly because during lockdown we were all alone in our homes and now we were joining with a community, even though it was online, and with people who had the same goal of learning new skills as parents.

wooden arrows pointing east with corona and lockdown written on them in black

Facilitator Spotlight: Carole Baker & Lynn Hayward

It has been such a joy to witness the parents growing in their confidence and parenting skills and the way in which they are ready to support each other.

mom and child at a playground in Tower Hamlets in London

Fuzz Dix – KM Facilitator

I bumped into our local councillor last week and she said to me, ‘Your church has transformed that estate.  You are like a beacon of light shining in the darkness.’

Kids Matter families gathered in a garden with food and toys discussing parenting and child wellbeing

Sharon Blyth – KM Facilitator

A major thing we have discovered is that many of the parents suffer from mental health challenges and low self-esteem, so every session focuses on helping parents to feel affirmed in their parenting.

women doing crafts around a table at Kids Matter booster session

Sienna’s story

I enjoyed the discussions on family because my partner is African and we do have some cultural differences, so it was nice to think about that and share my thoughts knowing that what I said would be kept in the room.

Charlie Davies Kids Matter facilitator

Facilitator spotlight: Charlie Davies

It’s so encouraging to see parents inspired and to hear of families transformed by the great Kids Matter materials and the support of fellow group members.

little girl in blue jersey kissing her mum on the cheek

Nina’s story

No one is born a parent; we learn as we go. Even though I have been a mum for a large portion of my life, I still wonder whether I am doing the right thing. I joined Kids Matter hoping to learn some new things that I didn’t already know. And I learnt a lot.

nicely decorated table with flowers, pastries, fruit, tea and coffee

Facilitator spotlight: Joanna Bacon

I love the programme materials – they are conversational, colourful, informal, searching and sharing, with goals and ideas that are achievable.

Kids Matter Ruth Egan holding smiling baby

Facilitator Spotlight: Ruth Egan

I’ve often felt vulnerable, which is sometimes hard but has also provoked me to listen actively to the experiences that the people before me are sharing, enabling an atmosphere of equality.

boy playing with mum at Kids Matter parenting group

Vicky’s story

Kids Matter helped me learn how to manage my kids a bit better. I’m quite hot-headed and I realise that I need to be calmer. Now, I try to remember to count and breathe in tense situations.

Kids Matter tote bag on the floor

Facilitator Spotlight: Sam Vincett

I have a passion for working with families, perhaps mainly because I had five children very close together and found that period of my life a struggle.

mums having tea and doing crafts at Kids Matter booster session

Farida’s story

I’ve done the Kids Matter parenting programme twice. My English is not very good – I am from Egypt and speak Arabic – but *Naomi helped me to understand the sessions; and the second time I understood better and found the information very helpful, especially because the culture here is very different from my country.

mums sitting around a table at Kids Matter parenting programme talking about child wellbeing and strengthening families

Brianna’s story

Before, I was worried that the things I was doing weren’t right but now I am more confidence in what I am doing as a parent. I have two older children (10 and 12 years old) and two little ones (20-months and 3 years old) and I’d forgotten what worked with the bigger ones, so it was nice to be reminded.

mum holding toddler in princess costume

Lisa’s story

I’d given up trying to get my daughter *Samantha into a routine. Her crying was unbearable and so I’d just give in and do it her way. I could listen to other people’s kids when they cried but when it was my own child – it just went right through me.

mums sitting around a table at Kids Matter parenting programme talking about child wellbeing and strengthening families

Shadha’s story

The parents in my group were so friendly and made me feel confident to share my struggles; how to control my children (homework, bedtime, watching TV and everything) and complete my college course at the same time.

Kids Matter facilitator Lynette Woodward smiling in garden in Norfolk

Facilitator Spotlight: Lynette Woodward

It was lovely to see the mums support one another and grow in confidence but the best bit, for me, was seeing those light bulb moments.

smiling mum holding son on her lap at Kids Matter parenting group

Charlene’s story

At home, I was tearing my hair out with a youngster and a 4-year-old; I was getting frustrated with the kids and shouting at them, and just not feeling like a good enough mum. I wanted to figure out if there was a better way, so I decided to do the parenting programme.

Kids Matter parenting programme booklet

Facilitator Spotlight: Michelle Rutter And The Team At Riverbank Trust

What we love about Kids Matter is the ‘we are all in this together’ attitude that permeates through our groups.

smiling mums drinking tea together at Kids Matter parenting programme discussing child wellbeing and strengthening families

Kayleigh’s story

My boys are close in age and I was struggling with my older son who was being really testing. I didn’t know what to do. In the first session I tried to filter my parenting struggles and then after the second session I just let it out: ‘My boys are so naughty, someone help me!’

smiling mum in green floral dress holding happy baby

Ayesha’s story

One minute you’re pregnant, the next minute you have a baby in your arms. There’s no guide or warm-up; you just get thrown into being a parent.   Since doing the programme, I’m much calmer and better at recognising certain situations and honing in on key things that are happening with my children.

mum in orange floral dress laughing whilst holding son in red top

Emma’s story

I’ve learnt a lot about myself through this parenting programme and have become a lot more confident in managing my son’s disability. I’ve learnt not to be so negative about myself. Before, I felt like a failure as a mum – like I just couldn’t do it; now I know that I can do it. Being a parent is hard but I can do it

parent holding Kids Matter programme booklet at parenting group discussing child wellbeing and building strong relationships

Facilitator Spotlight: Judi McDonald

One of the highlights from our first group was seeing parents gain so much confidence and encouragement from hearing each other’s stories.

mums baking at Kids Matter booster session

Raya’s story

I was surprised at how much the programme helped me and how fun it was. I enjoyed hearing about other people’s experiences as parents – where they’re struggling, what they’re doing well and then sharing ideas and learning coping mechanisms that others have mastered. The cake was also good!

Kids Matter facilitator hugging mum at parenting group

Sally’s story

Before I started the programme  my little girl called her sister “Mum” – not me, which made me feel down and depressed but I didn’t know how to correct her. I didn’t know how to communicate with my daughter; to ask her how her day was and whether she enjoyed school or even say “good night” and give her a kiss. I felt bad about this

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