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The event, which took place on 14 July, is a heartfelt tradition where the team honour the incredible parents they have had the privilege of working alongside throughout the year.
The North Somerset Council Parenting Team offers evidence-based Advanced Parenting Groups for families with children aged 0–19. These groups are designed to strengthen the positive relationships between parents and their children.
All sessions are free to attend, and places can be requested by parents or professionals.
In addition, the team hosts Parenting Villages—informal coffee mornings where parents can connect with others, speak with professionals from a range of services, and learn about the support available in their local area.
This year’s event theme was wellbeing. A reminder that behind every thriving child is a parent who deserves support, connection and community.
The evening was filled with warmth and reflection. Some parents immersed themselves in painting to calm their minds, others relaxed to beautiful live music around a fire pit, and some just simply enjoyed reconnecting with one another.
Delicious food was shared and staff and parents shared stories- courageous, emotional journeys of parenting that uplifted and encouraged everyone in the room.
Claire Shiels, Director for Children’s Services at North Somerset Council attended the event and said: “It was fantastic to attend the Parenting Celebration Event and to hear the powerful, personal stories shared by families. I was truly humbled by the courage and commitment parents show every day to support their children and one another.
“Events like this remind us why wellbeing, connection and community must remain at the heart of everything we do. My sincere thanks go to the incredible staff who make this work possible—and to the parents whose resilience and strength inspire us to do the work that we do.”
At the heart of everything the team does is the belief that Parents matter. Their strength, love and resilience are the foundations of strong families and communities.
Councillor Catherine Gibbons, North Somerset Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, families and lifelong learning, said: “The parenting celebration events are a great opportunity to highlight the fantastic ongoing work of the parenting team. They give parents the chance to reflect on their journeys, and are an amazing way to connect those living in our community.”
If you would like to find out more about the parenting team and the services they offer, contact the team on Parenting.Groups@n-somerset.gov.uk