As we come to the end of our summer programme of activities, it feels like a good time to pause and look back on all that has been happening across our outreach work. It has been another busy few months, with many opportunities to connect with people in our communities.
My family support work with our four primary schools continued, and I met regularly with families from each school, offering practical help, a listening ear and pastoral support. More recently, this offer was extended to Mountjoy School, where it has been a real pleasure to pop in and meet some of the families and the amazing staff. I’ve also had some encouraging conversations with Beaminster School about how we might be able to support their younger pupils next year.
Our Baby & Toddler Group continues to flourish; we have welcomed new families, while also seeing familiar faces return each week. It’s become such a lovely, supportive space where friendships are formed, children play together, and parents and carers know they’re always welcome. Thanks to feedback from those who attend, we kept the group running through the school holidays, meeting in the Memorial Playing Fields throughout the summer. It was wonderful to make the most of the sunshine and enjoy being outdoors together.
Our Woody Wander nature walks have reminded me just how restorative it can be to slow down, enjoy the beauty of nature, and simply spend time chatting as we walk. Personally, I’ve discovered corners of our local area I’ve never visited before and have had the privilege of meeting some wonderful people along the way. Sadly, the weather, road closures and low attendance meant we brought our summer wanders to an early close. With any new event it is important to reflect to allow us to shape future projects. Outreach to the community is a journey that will bring both success and challenges.
Alongside the walks, we also enjoyed a couple of new summer activities. Our Sunshine & Stories sessions popped up in Broadwindsor, Mosterton and Salway Ash, giving families a chance to bring a picnic, relax together and enjoy sharing stories. It was lovely to welcome Beaminster Library, who brought along a fantastic selection of books for us to share.
We also tried something completely new at Mosterton Church with Bricks & Buns. The idea was simple: Lego building themed around a Bible story, followed by doughnuts! It was great fun seeing people’s creativity come to life and sharing some lovely conversations along the way.
As always, work carries on quietly behind the scenes. Supporting families, building relationships, and looking for new ways to serve our communities isn’t always visible, but it remains an important part of what we do. We are always happy to chat with people about volunteering opportunities and how our work and churches can be supported.
Finally, a personal message from me. It is with mixed emotions that I will be stepping away from my role as Community and Family Outreach Worker to begin a new opportunity. I have loved working with, and meeting, so many kind, generous and welcoming people, who have helped to shape the outreach work and been there to offer support to the project, and me personally, along the way.
I leave knowing that the excellent outreach work that has been started has strong foundations and I look forward to seeing this continue to flourish. Thank you for a fabulous year.
Emma
A Service for the Twelfth Sunday after Trinity
Cake | Rev Chat Podcast 306
A Service for the Eleventh Sunday after Trinity
