Family service’s fun packs to support families

A local authority’s family service is helping vulnerable children to do creative things with their families during the coronavirus lockdown by delivering fun packs direct to their door.

Staff from Durham County Council’s One Point Service have created the art and craft packs to help children get creative at home, whilst schools are shut.

Each pack includes a fairy door to decorate, drawing and colouring-in materials, playdough, bubbles, card and glue, as well as a list of 100 ideas for things to do, and useful websites for online reading and learning.

One Point workers are calling to leave the fun-filled parcels at a safe distance on families’ doorsteps, avoiding all unnecessary contact.

Sarah Jeary, One Point Team Manager for Seaham and Durham Central area, said: “Unfortunately, not all families are lucky enough to have lots of resources at home to keep children entertained, so we created the craft packs to provide those families with some extra support.

“We are encouraging families to use the packs to complete activities together and have fun.

“Studies have shown that taking part in creative activities can help keep your brain and body healthy, and can give people’s mental health a boost.

“The feedback from families which have already received their delivery has been fantastic and we’re now looking to develop some academic work packs for families to use in their home schooling too.”

One Point family centres and hubs, which support children, young people and families, are closed until further notice, however, the service is still available over the phone on 03000 261 111.