‘Covid and cost of living have affected kids using their imagination’
WINTER WONDERLAND PLANNED
A NURSE and author from Grimsby is organising a winter wonderland in aid of children’s mental health. Paediatric nurse Faye Stringer was driven to organising the event after seeing the impact that the covid-19 lockdowns had on children across the borough. While working, she noticed that a considerable number of children had trouble using their imagination to play, this has proved even more of a problem due to the ongoing cost of living crisis. Several young people have also reportedly developed attachment issues after spending an unprecedented amount of time with their family during the course of the pandemic.
Ms Stringer is hoping to bring more awareness of children’s mental health through her winter wonderland event at Millfields Hotel on Sunday, December 4. “Going into people’s homes, you can really see the impact its had on children, especially with prices going up.” she told Grimsby Live. “People in nurseries have also seen the impact on education and children’s ability to concentrate.” Faye continued: “We’re just trying to put a positive spin on things and help families as much as we can.”
At the event, there will be several things for young people to get involved in and hopefully be inspired by, alongside a number of Christmas-themed activities. One group attending will be the Scouts, who will be teaching people how to use what they have around them.
On top of this, the Grimsby nurse is also hoping to inspire children in music and sport with demonstrations from a local a choir and a kickboxing club.
There will also be a total of 16 stalls available to the public from the likes of children’s clothing experts Harlow and the Hare, and bath and body professionals soap shack. Ms Stringer is also hoping to promote different support networks for vulnerable children with her mammoth event. Organisations such as the NSPCC and CAMHS have already said that they will be attending. “It’s all about raising awareness,” continued the newly published author.
“We want to show some of the charities that might be able to help someone. If your child is struggling, there is help out there.” The event is open to everyone of all ages and will be running between 11am and 4pm on Sunday, December 4, at the Millfields Hotel on Bargate.