Working in The Province of York

The province of York stretches as far north as Cumbria and Northumberland, and as far south as Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Members are involved was a huge array of project work depending on the need of their community, projects include prison and hospital visits, parenting groups, mother and toddler groups, marriage preparation classes and homeless centres.

Many dioceses also provide holidays through the Away From It All scheme for those families that do not have the opportunity to go away together. Prayer and fellowship is vital and underpins all that Mothers' Union does. Members encourage one another in this and are often involved in organising retreats, services and prayer meetings.

The following histories provide an insight to the variety of work that members are involved in throughout this province:


The Barty Bear Parent and Toddler Group (Blackburn diocese)

Blackburn diocese wanted to address the problem of social isolation amongst parents and carers with young toddlers by providing a place where children could play and where parents and carers could spend time together in a relaxed and mutually supportive environment.

The Barty Bear Club is a church-based parent and toddler group, started by three mums from St Bartholomew's Mothers' Union. They now run two-hour sessions for 2-3 years olds, three days a week. A variety of toys and craft activities are provided, with singing and action rhymes led by the 'Barty Bear' play leaders. Mothers' Union volunteer, Karen Hawthrowne says, "The club provides good times together, friendship, support and development."

Emma, a mother of four children, who attends the group says, "The helpers at the group are very friendly and there is always someone on hand to look out for the other two children if I need to feed the baby. The two older boys get the chance to colour and stick and have other adults to do jigsaws and other things with. Sometimes one of the helpers or another mum will look after the baby; I can then sit with the older boys and give them some attention. It's nice to have someone looking after me for a change!"

The project has been running for three and a half years and the group has 25 families on the register and seven Mothers' Union members involved in the project. The project has developed further and now includes a focus on faith. Mothers' Union members are currently helping to run a five-week 'Introduction to Faith' programme. This has been set up for members of the church and the club, who might not usually consider taking part in something like this, but meet together for weekly sessions led by the vicar.

"Open communication between church leaders, the Mothers' Union and the Barty Bear Club is the most effective factor in our work with young families within the Parish. We keep having fun together!" says Karen.


The Gateway Coffee Shop in Hebburn (Durham diocese)

Hebburn has a high percentage of elderly people, a number of sheltered housing areas accommodating what are often very lonely sole occupants. The Gateway is a coffee shop which the Mothers' Union renovated, decorated and now staff, aiming to provide a place of welcome. The Gateway has become known as a place where folks can come and have a conversation, be encouraged, and in many instances, receive practical help.

A grandfather who takes care of his granddaughter during the day regularly comes into the coffee shop to receive encouragement and support from both the staff and the fellow visitors. Members of Mothers' Union are now also holding parenting groups in the coffee shop's recently renovated upper room.

"I am a solo mum, I was struggling a lot. When things were really bad she (a Mothers' Union Member working at the cafe) arranged for me to have a break. She's been there for me to talk to and a shoulder to cry on. Now I help at the Gateway." Tina aged 28.

"I came to Hebburn a lonely stranger. I am sure God led me to the Gateway, not only for tea, toast, but also fellowship. I must admit to taking my many problems to them and they have always given me help with kindness and patience. Many people there benefit from help, both spiritually and socially. My life has been much happier since." Elsie, widow aged 92.


Drop-in centre for refugees (Bradford diocese)

There is a large community of refugees and asylum seekers in the Bradford area. Since 2001 Mothers' Union members have offered them practical advice, support and friendship through their drop in centre.

The centre is a warm, welcoming place where people can relax and chat to Mothers' Union volunteers and meet others in similar situations. Many have gone through traumatic experiences and the centre helps to reduce the isolation felt by many who find themselves in a strange country with no friends.

"I am Nafisa Halim. I've got three children, one daughter, two sons and my husband. I am from Kabul in Afghanistan. I am very happy for the furniture you gave me. Thank you for everything: for table, chair, cupboard, plates, quilts, beds. Thank you for your help"

"Dear friend, I don't know who you are, but I'm sure you are a big human and a very kind friend. My son also says thank you for your help. We never forget this."

The Genesis Project (Wakefield diocese)

The Genesis Creche was set up by the Local Education Authority Referral Unit for pregnant schoolgirls and their babies and is situated on the school site in Rawthorpe, Huddersfield. At first, teenage mothers were not accepted into the unit if they had to bring their babies along as it led to disruption in the classes.

Mothers' Union initially got involved to provide care for the babies whilst the young mothers completed their education. Girls who attend are aged between 13 and 16 years old. They come when they are pregnant and most of them stay until they have finished their exams at 16. Whilst the girls attend classes, Mothers' Union members care for their babies in a room nearby.

The project has now developed further, with members providing toiletries, small toys and resources for the unit and larger pieces of educational equipment. Members are now also offering Mothers' Union parenting groups, which have benefited the mums and babies alike, and has given Mothers' Union  volunteers many opportunities to answer the many questions the mums have.

"I have benefited from Jordan being in the creche because, although he is close by, I can get a break and I can spend time with other girls at Genesis. I also know that he is well looked after by the staff."

"Mothers' Union are excellent and they have never not come. Most importantly they are very good with the babies and so there is no need to worry."

To find out more on Mothers' Union in York and for more news and information, please visit: www.muyorkdiocese.org