New inclusive community group in Scarborough to create accessible space for children and parents to connect
A new community group in Scarborough is set to bring together parents and children across the town to bond and connect outside of school.
‘Sand & Stories’ is a relaxed, parent-led outdoor group which has been created for children and families who are looking for gentle, inclusive ways to connect outside of school.
While it’s home-education friendly, it’s also open to families new to the area and children who benefit from calmer, low-pressure social spaces.
The group will be mostly outdoors, often at the beach, with parents staying and taking part. There will be a strong focus on inclusion and accessibility.
Gray Nelson, founder of the group, is planning to launch the first sessions in mid-March. Initially, the aim is to run an after-school session on Wednesdays and an afternoon session on Saturdays, with both sessions also running as afternoon sessions during school holidays.
Gray came up with the idea for Sand & Stories as a way to ensure that children and their families who are struggling to make connections in the area have a chance to grow and bond - particularly those who may struggle to access traditional groups.
According to Gray, the response so far has been incredibly encouraging, with parents, home-educating families and childminders all expressing interest and helping to shape the sessions through their feedback.
Gray said: “Sand & Stories is about slowing things down and creating space – space for play, for connection, and for children to simply be themselves.
“It’s already feeling very much like something being built with the community, not just for it.”
Visit https://www.facebook.com/people/Sand-Stories/61587149693419/ for more information.