FUN PACKS HELP KEEP KIDS HAPPY
ACOMMUNITY group in Carnwadric has been making sure that parents can keep kids entertained during lockdown – by creating and distributing family craft and game packs.
Dawn Barrett, project supervisor for Carnwadric WIN Project, has almost single-handedly been creating the packs, delivering the activities to 200 people within Carnwardric, Arden, Kennishead and Regent Park.
Dawn said: “Before lockdown, we had several different groups going that meant we were able to keep in touch with families.
“We had kids’ drama groups that were full every week, a ladies’ crafting group and a dinner group for those with additional needs.
“When you take those resources away, we know how difficult it is for parents to keep kids entertained, even more so with lockdown where they can’t go out. The kids were getting distressed.
“I think that parents were also missing some interaction that they had at the group before.”
Dawn launched the packs at the start of lockdown and has seen the demand increase from 22 in the first week to 91 last week.
She has been creating and handing out the packs with the help of her family.
Dawn said: “I can’t quite describe how much stuff I have in my house at the moment, but it’s all for a good reason.
“I had one mum say to me that her daughter had been really down and the pack put a smile on her face.
“I had another telling me that her daughter had been on Facetime with a friend and they opened their pack together, it really makes it all worth it.
“The packs are tailored to age and how many people are in the family – if there are five kids, they’ll all get an activity.”
The activities in the packages include games and crafts, with crafts for adults available too, to help those in need of a project.
Dawn explained: “We always try to come up with some fun games, even older ones that parents can talk to their kids about and they can have a laugh.
“The adult crafts are always fun. “Last week we had ‘make your own coaster’ and inside the package was an instruction manual and all the materials, so there wasn’t a worry if they didn’t have materials in.”
The group also received donations of stationery and money from Giffnock South Parish Church and In Harmony Community Choir.
The WIN Project has also embraced technology to help parents during the lockdown feel as supported as they would do in person.
Dawn said: “We put videos up on social media, email the parents, just to keep in contact and let them know that we’re still there, just in different ways.”
The project is open to families who either live locally or attend a local school.
“We’ve worked with local schools and even health visitors who have referred families to us.
“Families will ask us if they can get their next-door neighbour or family member involved. The answer is always ‘absolutely’ – if you fit the criteria for our funding, then we want to help.”