The Children’s Society has released a FREE Mothering Sunday resource for churches. Mothering Sunday, which takes place this year on 22 March, is traditionally a day to reflect on the love of mothers and all who play a mothering or caring role in our lives. It also focuses on how local churches can be ‘mothers’ in their own communities, supporting parents, families and carers in need.
This year, the resource includes stories from parents and carers whose children are affected by substance misuse. The Children’s Society in Essex offers support groups to these parents and carers, who often feel bewildered and isolated, unable to share their experiences even with friends and family. Parents and carers are offered the opportunity to attend a course exploring aspects of addiction and supporting their child and then have the option of attending a self-sustaining group (BRICK) supported by volunteers from The Children’s Society. The BRICK group is co- a non-judgmental space to find help and share stories and mutual support with other parents and carers in the same situation:
One parent said: “Through my own journey of recovery with my daughter, we encountered many problems and hiccoughs and I always felt supported by all members of the group … Simply put, I don’t think we would be where we are now without the support of … the group … thank you to all at The Children’s Society – you saved our family, and my health and sanity.”
Mark Russell, Chief Executive of The Children’s Society comments: “I am delighted to recommend this resource and I invite our church supporters to use the all-age reflections, activities and prayers in their Mothering Sunday celebrations. I am so proud of all the team at The Children’s Society in the East who support families affected by substance misuse and help change lives.”
Kerry Horner, Head of Services, London and South East, said: “I am really pleased to be able to endorse this Mothering Sunday resource. We are extremely proud of the parenting support group and what it has meant for families over the years. We hope that by sharing this resource we can reach out to others who may be struggling to let them know they are not alone.”
The resources includes talks, prayers and activities for all ages, including separate activities for children and young people and a take-home colouring card for all those who attend. The resource has been written by Revd Mina Munns, priest-in-charge and pioneer minister of the parishes of Cresswell and Lynemouth in the Diocese of Newcastle and the Revd Jeremy Fletcher, Vicar of Hampstead Parish Church in the Diocese of London. Mina also wrote the 2020 ‘Follow the Star’ booklet for the Church of England.
The resource is free to download from www.childrenssociety.org.uk/motheringsunday
A short video will also be released on 1 March which features interviews with parents who are involved with the BRICK support group.
For more information and to receive a hard copy of the resource, please contact Hannah Ratcliffe, Relationship Manager (East of England) on hannah.ratcliffe@childrenssociety.org.uk or telephone 07710 395824