Case Studies

SWPA previously established a Community Benefit Fund, along with our previous delivery partner South West Community Matters. Together we focused the fund on small community groups and charities, to enable us to have the most direct and positive impact.

Cornwall One Parent Support (COPS) has been in existence for twenty-eight years as there had been no direct support for one parent families in Cornwall, previous to this. Having been established since 1996, the group’s aim as a charity is to educate, support, and improve the lives of one parent/guardian families. The charity aims to alleviate any social isolation that one parent families often feel.  The group also offers great support, with activities, events and outings planned and organised for the whole family. These are particularly focussed on school holiday periods, and before and after school time.

Throughout the beginning of 2024, Cornwall One Parent Support achieved an incredible amount of group activities, clubs, and outings to support one parent families in the South West and continue to do so.

January

During January of 2024, the group offered “Chill Out Time” in the form of a Polymer Clay Workshop, at the Light & Life Centre in St. Austell. Along with lunch and refreshments, all materials were provided, and the group were able to take home what they made for free!

Additionally in January, Cornwall One Parent Support ran an “Family After School Group” where parents and children were invited to stop in after school for a freshly cooked, warm homemade dinner, along with free refreshments, toys and crafts, which were also provided.

February

January and February also included “Free Fun Slow Cooker Workshop: After the Morning School Run & Back After the Afternoon School Run to Eat Together”. This incredibly well-thought-out initiative was tailored towards parents on the school run, arriving before the morning rush to prepare a slow cooker meal, where the ingredients, recipes and refreshments were provided for them. Following on from this, the children and their parents would arrive after the school rush to finish their meal and try what had been cooking throughout the day. Not only did everyone enjoy a home cooked meal, but they also learnt new recipes and were able to enjoy the other refreshments, toys and crafts on offer.

February also saw the return of the “Family After School Group.” These positive and incredibly helpful groups, not only ensure parents and children get a homecooked meal, they also foster community, with a warm welcome. This allows the parents to socialise, and not have to worry about providing a cooked meal after school for their children, as well as entertaining the children with the provision of toys and crafts available throughout the evening.

“Chill Out Time” returned and this time, the group invited parents and children to enjoy a workshop in tie-dyeing, where everyone was able to take home what they created, and also enjoyed refreshments and lunch, as well.

Cornwall One Parent Support were also invited, for free, to attend a performance of “The Little Mermaid”, with coach transport and refreshments available at the interval. This was greatly enjoyed by the parents and children.

March

Featured also in February and March was the “Free Family Fun 4 Drums Workshop”, where along with enjoying playing and learning about percussion and drums, the attendees were invited to a free lunch afterwards, provided by Cornwall One Parent Support.

“Chill Out Time” this time, was prepared in time for Mother’s Day and included a free jewellery workshop, with refreshments and lunch. The children could use what they’d made in the workshop as presents for Mother’s Day.

March was a busy month for Cornwall One Parent Support, whose efforts to support families span throughout the whole year, with groups organised to put in place much needed activities and help, for those that need it. This group is invaluable, due to its continued efforts and regular groups, which can be relied upon to assist families, parents, and children who greatly benefit from these fun and diverse activities. March also included the “Family After School Group” and the “Free Fun Slow Cooker Workshop”.

April

In April, along with the “Family After School Group” and “Free Fun Slow Cooker Workshop”, which has quickly become a regular and much needed support, was the Easter Holiday, “Trip to Trethorne Leisure Park.” This was greatly enjoyed by all, and Cornwall One Parent Support provided a picnic, entry, and a coach trip, to ensure everyone who wanted to, could attend and enjoy a day out in the Easter Holidays. Another Easter Holiday day out was organised, with a “Trip to Springfields Fun Park and Pony Centre” including a coach trip, picnic, and entrance, all free of charge. These days out for parents and children are something to look forward to throughout the holiday period, and are something different and fun to enjoy.

April also included more Workshops, including a “Decoupage Workshop” and a “Miracle Theatre Family Drama Workshop” as well.

May

May included an interesting “Mosaic Workshop”, where all were welcome to take home what they made and enjoy some refreshments whilst there. The “Free Fun Slow Cooker Workshop” was also organised, and once again all attendees were able to get a free, homemade, and fresh dinner, along with trying other’s creations as well. After the Easter School Holidays, the “After School Family Group” returned, inviting attendees to enjoy a home cooked meal, whilst the children were able to play with toys and crafts as well.

The incredible support this group achieves, continues throughout the year, to support one parent families and those in need. For more information about Cornwall One Parent Support, or to contact the organiser, please email Liz Northcott at e.northcott@sky.com. To visit our Community Benefit Fund page and Social Value Strategy for more information on how SWPA supports the local, South West communities with the Community Benefit Fund, please use the links provided.