Where families matter

Plant Dewi has a range of family support projects across the diocese and it is encouraging to see how Ty Mair, Burry Port Family Centre and the local church come together to work with local families and children. Shan Cheesman, Manager of Ty Mair, reports

St Mary’s Church has, historically, played a pivotal role in life of the family centre. In 2010, a group of likeminded people from the local schools, the church and community had a vision to support families. Together, they formed a committee and registered as a charity. From the humble beginnings of a weekly Families Together Group, the charity has grown into a five-day-a-week service, working in-house and delivering outreach provision to neighbouring communities.

Revd Lorna Bradley, the current Chair of the Centre, has continued and developed the meaningful relationship between Ty Mair and the church. Some of the congregation sit alongside Lorna on the management committee and others fundraise for the centre.

Fundraising is done through Coffee Mornings, the Bible Study group and generously gifted financial donations to the Centre. The Centre participates in the annual sponsored walk, providing an opportunity for the Centre and church to come together in an informal way, ending the day with high tea for all at the church providing much needed respite and an opportunity for non-church people to visit the building.

St Mary’s has an in-house community wardrobe which the centre can refer families to, thanks to the generosity of the community. This helps to mitigate the impact of the cost of living crisis on family budgets. Throughout the year Lorna has delivered a Christingle Service, an Easter Thoughts session and is on hand for pastoral care for staff and families alike. Ty Mair has also enjoyed the Harvest Scarecrow event and the Christmas Tree festival, providing a warm welcome to families at their local church.

If you have a Plant Dewi project in your area, please do get in touch to see how you can get involved. For more information, please visit the Plant Dewi website – www.plantdewi.org.uk or email info@plantdewi.co.uk.