Basildon Parents4Parents

It's GCSE results day - and to every parent and carer out there refreshing their phone since 8am: we see you.

Here's the thing nobody prints on the envelope: that piece of paper doesn't measure the half of it. It doesn't show the morning you got them out the door when they really didn't want to go. The revision timetable that lasted four days. The wobbles at 10pm. The sheer stubbornness it took to sit in that hall at all.

Whatever the grades say today - they did a hard thing, and you got them there. That's worth a proper celebration.

And if today's news isn't what you hoped for, take a breath. There are always more roads than anyone tells you at sixteen.

Tell us - how are you marking today? We'd love to cheer your young person on.

Week three of the summer holidays and we're calling it: the wheels have officially come off the routine!!

Breakfast at 10. Lunch at 3. Someone's still in pyjamas at teatime. And do you know what? That's absolutely fine.

Because the good bits are sneaking in too. Ice lollies dripping down elbows. A paddling pool that took forty minutes to inflate and lasted eleven. Den-building with the good blankets (we've made our peace with it). That moment when they're all quiet and getting along, and you daren't breathe in case you break the spell.

The holidays are long. Some days feel very long. But there are small, brilliant moments tucked in among the chaos, and they absolutely count.

So tell us - what's made you smile this week? A win, a wobble you survived, or something daft your little one came out with. We'd love to hear it.

A helping hand for all of us during the summer holidays!!! ☀️🍽️

The countdown is officially on. ☀️

The mornings are lighter, the water bottles are permanently lost, and there's that end-of-term buzz in the air — book bags stuffed with half-finished worksheets and paintings we'll absolutely be keeping forever (well, most of them 😉).

Whatever this school year has looked like for your family — the wobbles, the wins, the "we made it to Friday" moments — you got them here. That's no small thing.

Soon it'll be lazier mornings, ice lollies before lunch, and days with a little less rushing. Yes, the "I'm booooored" chorus is coming too… but so are the paddling pools, the picnic-blanket-in-the-lounge rainy days, and the odd cheeky chippy tea. 🍟

Here's to slowing down, just a little.

What's the one summer thing your family is most looking forward to? Tell us below — we love a good countdown. 👇

☀️ The countdown is on...

Can you feel it? The school year is in its final stretch, the evenings are light until gone nine, and there's that unmistakable summery buzz in the air. 🌳

We know the holidays can feel like a mountain to plan for — but just for a moment, let's enjoy the little wins this time of year brings. The ice lolly dripping down a chin. Bare feet on the grass. That gloriously slow Saturday with absolutely nowhere to be.

It doesn't have to be a packed itinerary or a big day out. Some of the best memories are made in the back garden with a paddling pool and a cheeky chippy tea. 🍟

So tell us — what's the one simple summer thing your family looks forward to most? A trip to the seaside? Strawberries straight from the punnet? We'd love to hear. 💛

As a charity, we are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Liam, the beloved son of our wonderful former volunteer, Katrina.

Katrina has given so much of her time and compassion to supporting families through Basildon Parents4Parents over the years, and at this unimaginably difficult time, we wanted to let her know that she and her family remain in our thoughts.

Katrina is raising money for YoungMinds in Liam's memory. If you are able to donate or share her fundraising page, we know it would mean a great deal to her.

At Liam's funeral, the vicar shared something that has stayed with many of us. He said that when he first began taking funerals 30 years ago, he would conduct around two funerals a year for young people like Liam. Today, he sadly conducts one every two weeks. It's a sobering reminder of how important it is that we continue to talk openly about mental health, support one another, and ensure that no one feels they have to face their struggles alone.

Katrina, thank you for everything you've done for our community. We are standing with you and your family, and we're sending you all our love.

💙 If you'd like to support Katrina's fundraiser for YoungMinds, you'll find the link below.

memoryspace.mind.org.uk

🎵 Sound Bath Experience Feedback 🎵

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our recent Sound Bath Experience. It was a beautiful opportunity to pause, relax, and focus on wellbeing in a calm and supportive environment.

We're so grateful for the wonderful feedback from those who attended, with many describing the session as relaxing, healing, calming, and something they would love to experience again. 💜

A special thank you to the Merkur Community Fund for helping us provide wellbeing activities for local families and carers in our community.

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🌿 Aromatherapy Workshop Feedback 🌿

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our Aromatherapy Workshop last week. It was wonderful to see so many people learning about the benefits of essential oils, exploring different blends, and taking some time for their own wellbeing.

We're delighted to share some of the lovely feedback we received from participants. 💜

Special thanks to the Merkur Community Fund for helping make this event possible and supporting wellbeing opportunities for families in our community.

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✨ A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our recent Music, Movement & Meditation (Chakradance) workshop! ✨

It was wonderful to see so many people taking time for themselves, exploring creativity, mindfulness, and relaxation in a safe and supportive space.

We're delighted to share some of the fantastic feedback we received from attendees. Hearing how much people enjoyed the experience and the positive impact it had makes everything worthwhile.

A special thank you to Jackie for delivering such an inspiring session, and to the Merkur Community Fund for helping make this event possible. 💜

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✨ **Take some time to pause, relax and recharge...** ✨

We're delighted to be offering a beautiful **Sound Bath Experience** designed to help you step away from the stresses of everyday life and focus on your own wellbeing.

Let the soothing sounds and vibrations of crystal singing bowls, chimes and calming instruments wash over you, helping to quiet the mind, release tension and restore balance.

A Sound Bath offers a peaceful space to slow down, reconnect with yourself and leave feeling relaxed, grounded and refreshed.

💜 No experience necessary
💜 A welcoming and supportive environment
💜 Time dedicated entirely to you

To help you get the most from the experience, please bring something comfortable to lie on, such as a yoga mat, blanket, cushion or anything else that will help you feel cosy and relaxed during the session.

Spaces are limited, so booking is essential.

For more information and to reserve your place, click the link below:
👇

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1990960465347?aff=oddtdtcreator