AFIA (Away from it all Holidays)

The Mothers’ Union, Wakefield Diocese organises holidays and short breaks for families under stress. These are paid for by donations and the fundraising efforts of its members.

As many as one in three people in Britain do not have a holiday each year, mostly because they have low income or ill-health, or because of work commitments.

Although many parents recognise how important it is to take a break from daily stress and to strengthen relationships, holidays are often the first thing to be sacrificed, where money is tight or there are long term health problems.

These are the situations that the AFIA scheme helps – giving families a much needed break, and giving them time to relax together as a family. Different types of holiday are provided, tailored to provide the most beneficial break for the individual family.

Applications are usually made by the local Anglican priest, or through local health or social services organisations.

This year we have paid for holidays for six families and day trips for two more. Altogether that enabled 11 adults and 15 children to relax together, at a total cost of nearly £2000.

For further information contact the AFIA Officer, Marjorie Spensley, through the Diocesan Office.

 

The Mothers’ Union Wakefield Diocese is working with the Chaplaincy Team and Huddersfield University. The “Grub on No Grant” booklet contains recipes for cheap and healthy meals, designed for students with limited previous cooking experience.

Each September, members attend “Freshers' Fair”, to give students a copy and a taste of the food in the booklet. Members also provide a small emergency stock of food for the Chaplaincy staff to distribute.

For further information contact the Projects Officer, Betty Barrans.

 

New Hall

The Mothers’ Union Wakefield Diocese is working with the Chaplaincy Team in the women’s prison at Flockton, near Wakefield. They also run parenting courses for the inmates. This summer we have moved into a larger tea bar in the new visitor reception area. Mothers' Union members are now able to provide more support for the friends and families visiting inmates, as many have difficult or lengthy journeys to get to New Hall.

For further information contact the Projects Officer, Betty Barrans.

 

 

Parenting

The Mothers’ Union Wakefield Diocese has a team of qualified facilitators, who provide training to community and other groups in parenting. The facilitators have been trained to help parents, grandparents and other adults develop their skills in parenting. The training is accredited by the London Open College to Level 2 and 3.

For further information contact Pauline Moorhouse, through the Diocesan Office.