Essex Freemasons support new parents in the early years of parenthood

‘Cake Club’ offers help and support to new parents in the important early years of parenthood

Every weekday in every week new parents are able to get together have a cup of tea and cake and receive support and assistance in the important early years of parenthood. This is why the Masonic Charitable Foundation and Essex Freemasons have supported them with a donation of £12,000 as a part of our Community Engagement activities.

The need for support of new parents led to the start-up of ‘Cake Club’ by Lizzie Start and Rebecca Clay in 2018 in Southend, and then spread to Prittlewell, Southchurch, Leigh, Shoeburyness, Rochford and Hockley. Sessions are held in seven venues on weekdays and at weekends offering help and support in feeding, perinatal health in particular, and post-natal health in general. The sessions are parent led and run by skilled support staff. The sessions are open to all parents, including those with twins and triplets, with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and LGBTQ+ parents. The SEND session attendees are limited to eight families, while other sessions may have up to 30 families at a time. Sessions can be booked online and for a small ‘no questions asked’ voluntary contribution the family can attend a two-hour session.

Jo Webb, Trustee, explained: “Cake Club has quickly become a much-needed resource for the families of Southend and the surrounding areas. The support the volunteers and staff give is vital in ensuring the development of the children and in ensuring that parents stay in good health as well. We have over 60 helpers we can call on, of which over half are regularly active in supporting families at sessions online, with a large proportion being past (and current) Cake Clubbers! - This grant will help us maintain the development of our outreach into other areas and help even more families.”

Chris Hicks, Provincial Grand Charity Steward for Essex Freemasons said: “The health of young children and other family members is important for the community and we, as Freemasons, see our support as part of our Community Engagement projects. The young, mental health, local and environmental issues are some of our key areas for support in Essex not only with finance but resource support as well.”

Cake Club is always looking for more help, so if you like cake and supporting parents and can give some of your time – copy and go to this link: https://www.facebook.com/CakeClubParentingSupport/about

Cake Club is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation - Registered Charity Number 1200320

Photos:

Top: Families enjoying fun before cakes

Below: L-R Emma Hill-Gowing, Jo Webb and Chris Hicks