Manor & Castle Development Trust is delighted to announce that the Best Start Communities Count (BSCC) project has received a third round of lottery funding enabling the project to continue its amazing work with families in Darnall & Tinsley, Manor Castle, Norfolk Park & Arbouthorne, Shiregreen & Brightside, as well as expanding the project into Southey and Gleadless.

BSCC has provided a lifeline for families with babies and young children over the last 6 years by establishing toddler groups and school holiday activities in under-served areas, and training local volunteers to help run the groups alongside the team of early years workers.

Project Manager, Sarah Newton explains:

“We aim to strengthen communities, build community cohesion and resilience in families and individuals. The project takes a whole family approach to mitigating the impact of social and economic isolation by providing a range of activities and support. With increased isolation and economic hardship exacerbated by the pandemic, a worrying legacy has emerged – many babies and children in our communities are experiencing delayed speech and language development, therefore we will be placing additional emphasis on working with families to mitigate this with specific ‘Say & Play’ activities built into the programme.”  

The team will also provide opportunities for the parents and carers of these young children to come together for adult-centred craft activities while the children are looked after in a creche provided by Best Start. For some this will be their only break from child care, and their only opportunity to mix with other adults.

For details about the Parent & Toddler sessions and adult craft activities in your area please email kerrybennett@manorandcastle.org.uk with your name & postcode.