Community Fun Day at Parr Children’s Centre: A Celebration of Support and Togetherness

A Day of Connection and Joy

More than 600 people attended a community fun day at Parr Children’s Centre last week. Local families gathered to discover the support available through the Cradle to Career initiative in Parr.

The event was organised by Home Start St Helens and the Parr multidisciplinary team. This team, based at Parr Children’s Centre, includes professionals and services across education, health, family support, and the community. All these resources are available under one roof, making it easier for families to access the help they need.

Originally planned for around 200 attendees, the event saw over triple that number. Families enjoyed a free day out filled with food, ice cream, face painting, singing, dancing, a ‘Miss Rachel’ children’s act, food trucks, and even a reptile zoo.

The Impact of Cradle to Career

The activities were funded through Cradle to Career, a place-based programme managed by the charity Right to Succeed. This initiative allows local leaders, partners, residents, and professionals to work together. Their shared mission is to support children, young people, and families in communities across the Liverpool City Region.

Annmarie Houghton, CEO of Home-Start St Helens, who organised the event, said:

“This event is about the community of Parr coming together. We’ve had more than 600 people through the doors, which is absolutely fantastic and exceeded expectations. It’s crucial for families in Parr to know what’s available and to access the right support on their doorstep.

“I believe strongly in the power of partnerships. Through the Cradle to Career programme, we’ve been able to fund fantastic collaborations that benefit families with children from babies to teenagers. Nobody can do it all alone. Voluntary, statutory, and community partners working together build resilience for current and future challenges.”

Strengthening Community Bonds

Jo Pearson, Programme Director for Cradle to Career in Sefton and St Helens, highlighted the importance of community relationships:

“Today has been a brilliant example of what can happen when services work together around the needs of a community.

“The multidisciplinary team in Parr has shown real commitment and resilience. They bring partners together, listen to families, and ensure support is accessible in a place people already know and trust. It’s about recognising the strengths that already exist in Parr.”

Voices from the Community

Local mum Jordan, who attended the event with her son, shared her thoughts:

“A lot of families can’t afford days out. Even going to the farm costs nearly £90. It would be great for more events like this to happen, especially when it’s so close and offers activities for different ages. My mum brings my little boy to Parr Children’s Centre every week, and we’ve attended a few groups that he enjoys.”

One local dad, who brought his three children along, expressed his appreciation:

“There’s loads for the kids to do. Events like this bring the community together. I know most of the people here. The best part has been the activities for the kids and having all the services in one place today. It’s great to know what’s available.”

Priorities for the Future

Cradle to Career’s priorities in Parr include improving literacy, early years support, parental engagement, youth provision, family support, social, emotional, and mental health, inclusion, post-16 education, employment and training, and building community pride.

The St Helens programme is funded by the Steve Morgan Foundation, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, UBS Optimus Foundation, and the National Lottery Community Fund.

For more information about Cradle to Career, visit: Cradle to Career.

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For press enquiries, please contact: chelseayearsley@righttosucceed.org.uk