Woodhouse Park Family Centre has been supporting our community since 1993.
We are an award-winning charity and were one of the first family support organisations in the area, founded by local people who wanted to make a difference, and we continue to help vulnerable and disadvantaged children and families across Wythenshawe.
We believe ALL children and their extended families deserve to thrive and flourish, but we know that some people face barriers or disadvantages that prevent them from doing so. Our aim is to give support to these individuals, providing tools to overcome these challenges and live happy and successful lives.
The Family Centre offers a range of services for children and families and is always exploring new ideas and opportunities to develop, in line with changing needs. We work closely with other local organisations, businesses, and the local authority to give the best possible support to the families we work with.
Over the last 30 years we have grown into an established community resource, providing a range of services. These include early years education, Bright Futures support for families, an after-school service for the continued development of play, holiday playschemes and mobile childcare. We have supported over six thousand families to preserve and protect their mental and physical health by providing a centre and facilities to enable them to grow into strong confident young people and adults.
Play
Here at Woodhouse Park Family Centre we believe play is a vital tool for the development of children and young people.
“I have the right to relax and play”
Article 31 of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child
Playing Out in Wythenshawe is our open access after school and holiday play provision that allows children the chance to explore and develop through a range of fun activities. Giving the children freedom to play helps them to develop independence, learn to manage risk and improve their social skills. All of this contributes to increased confidence and self-esteem for the children. We pride ourselves on our inclusive approach, both for parents and children. We are especially passionate about ensuring all children can access play provision and, recognising the significant impact of the COVID pandemic, we are particularly focused on supporting children with their emotional wellbeing. In response to the cost-of-living crisis we have also recent started to provide a hot meal for all children attending.
Research we have carried out with children attending play sessions shows children are likely to stay in and play on computers or watch TV if they did not attend play provision. School holiday provision is particularly valued by children and parents alike. We work with schools, the Short Breaks team, and other agencies to try to ensure that the most vulnerable children can benefit from the service and that we are able to include children with SEND into our sessions.
Early Years
The early years of a child’s life are vital to their development into happy, independent adults. Our work with children under 5 aims to narrow the gap and remove barriers for those children who may not otherwise be able to access early years provision.
“Early moments matter for every child” (UNICEF)
Stepping Stones Playgroup Our pre-school supports vulnerable children and children with SEND to help them get ready for school and learn vital skills such as sharing, taking turns. Attending Stepping Stones helps children feel confident to separate from their parents and to socialise and learn to play with other children. We are a small setting, and this makes us an ideal choice for children (and their parents) who need a little extra support. We have lots of experience of supporting children with SEND and helping them to thrive.
We have a ‘Good’ rating from OFTED who said there is a “..unique curriculum, which is based on children’s interests and the recognition of their needs. It keeps children motivated to learn and provides them with the skills they need to be ready for school. Children’s laughter and eagerness to explore permeates all areas of the setting. Parents highly value and appreciate the quality of care and support their children receive.”
Planet Child’s Play is our bespoke ‘pop-up’ mobile crèche service, providing high quality childcare to support organisations with their work with parents and families, also providing employment and training opportunities for local residents. We have worked with Manchester City Council, the NHS, Manchester Mind, Barnardo’s, and schools amongst others.
Our creche at Willowbank Homeless Refuge makes sure children who are homeless are still able to access early years provision and socialise with other children with all the benefits for their development that brings. It also allows parents to attend vital appointments and provides respite for them in a highly stressful situation.
Family Support
Our Bright Futures support project builds resilience and improves mental health for the whole family. We are a dynamic open-access service offering practical and emotional support with a holistic approach to vulnerable children & families in Wythenshawe. Bright Futures offers general family support and advice but also provides specialist support with an experienced family support worker who will link in with other services along with our play coordinator to deliver bespoke care plans. We then offer ongoing support to meet the specific needs of the children and families we work with. Our service aims to empower and support families to live more meaningful lives with a stronger sense of community and support network, improved physical and mental well-being, stronger resilience, and better engagement in school for primary school aged children.
The Family Centre Social is our weekly community drop in open to all local people. It gives people the chance to socialise and find out what is on in the local area, as well as access advice, support and a hot meal.
We work with an Open Door ethos – we strive to support our local community in any way we can, without the need to fit criteria for a particular service. We can help filling in forms, signpost to specialist or more appropriate services or simply lend a listening ear.
Get Involved
A small local charity like ourselves cannot function without the support of a whole community and there are lots of ways to get involved and support us.
How you can help….Businesses
Corporate Volunteering
If you’re looking for a great team building opportunity that will inspire your team and make a real impact in your community why not hold a staff volunteer day here at Woodhous Park Family Centre.
Charity of the Year
If you run a Charity of the Year scheme (or would like to start one!) we’d love to be considered for your support to help us changes families’ lives.
Share your expertise
As a charity we’re always looking for people to add value to our work, here’s a chance for your team to share their expertise in areas they can help in and use their skills to make a difference.
Donate
We rely on donations to be able support hundreds of families every year. Could you support our work financially so that together we can make life better for vulnerable children and families? Or you could hold a fundraising event and get your team involved.
Why should you get involved
“By working with Woodhouse Park Family Centre, Mace have been able to draw on the knowledge, perspectives and experience of local people and provide support that is imperative to the community. The services provided by WHP Family Centre is extensive and creates positive outcomes. The value of engaging with local vulnerable people is substantial which is a key priority for Mace.” Shelley Smith, Social Value Manager, Mace
How you can help – Individuals
Fundraising
Holding a fundraising event for the Family Centre is your chance to make a real difference tothe lives of vulnerable children and young people. Whether it’s a cake sale, sponsoredsilence, or coffee morning, every penny you raise goes towards providing servicessupporting children and families.
Become a trustee
We rely on a strong Board of Trustees to oversee the strategic development and good governance of the charity. We are always looking for members to strengthen our Board and particularly welcome applications from people with a local link.
Volunteering
We offer a variety of volunteering opportunities to support the delivery of our services, including childcare and the Family Centre Social. We also encourage volunteers to help with back office functions like admin or maintenance of our building and garden. Whether you’re looking to use your existing skills or learn new ones – we’re the place to do it!
Whatever your interest in Woodhouse Park Family Centre we’d love you to……
VISIT US OR GET IN TOUCH
Meet The Team
Details of our Woodhouse Park Family Centre team personnel will be uploaded here very soon.
Contact WHP Family Centre
Woodhouse Family Centre
7 Stoneacre Road, Wythenshawe, Manchester M22 1BP
Telephone: 0161 498 0292
Email: info@whpfamilycentre.co.uk