After a couple of conversations with a Community Builder and support filling out a Small Sparks application for £250, local mums realise their talents and their combined passion to bring people together, putting on two colourful and affordable family fun days, and plan more for every season.

After meeting Ainsley at a mum’s group, it was obvious she had a skill in bringing people together. She was struggling to find work and was getting low because of it. A few conversations in, Ainsley suggested putting on a community family fun day. Her knowledge of the local area and her strong connections with people shone through. A venue quickly came to mind where she knew the person who ran the space, the local United Reform Church.

She teamed up with a close friend Paula and others in the community –  some made cakes, sourced raffle prizes, helped set up and clear up and serve the refreshments. Other local residents brought their bouncy castle for free, the local ice cream seller gave away 20% of their profits and the local guides, the church and other local businesses got involved – providing burgers in baps, cheap face painting and glitter tattoos.

Both the mums involved in the planning have really seen how they can use both their ability to create a day which people from the community want to come and enjoy together. They are now thinking about other ideas to support families with young children, such as day trips out to local attractions and a disco for adults in the area.