This season, we’re celebrating the incredible work of our volunteers and the positive impact Gingerbread Groups continue to have on single-parent families.

Local group updates

Northampton Gingerbread group

Meet Louise, who set up the group after seeking support herself. The group now offers monthly family sessions as well as parent-only meetups, from walks and coffee mornings to outdoor swims and even speed dating! Louise encourages other leads to consider adult-only events as a way to build deeper friendships and support networks. Read more about Louise here.

St Albans Gingerbread group

After 12 years of running the group, our wonderful volunteer Rebecca is stepping down. Reflecting on her time, Rebecca said: “Time has flown, and I’ve loved getting to know so many families and enjoying trips together — from coffee catchups and the theatre to trampoline parks and day trips to Gulliver’s Land and Bletchley Park. Thank you to you all for making this group so awesome!”

We are delighted that Katrina and another long-standing member are stepping up to take on the role, ensuring the group continues to thrive.

Thank you for everything you’ve done for single-parent families Rebecca! If you’d like to join this group, you can here.

Summer partnerships and days out

Hampton Court Palace

Over Summer, 150 single parents and children enjoyed a free day out at Hampton Court Palace. Families enjoyed the Peter Rabbit trail, creative sessions in the Clore with plenty of ice cream to keep us cool, and activities like:

• Printing a photo and making a frame to take home.
• Clay bunny making.
• Decorating a crown.

One parent told us: “After today, I feel more confident in attending a local Gingerbread meet up.” With another saying: “Thank you and your team for the most wonderful day! You were all so welcoming and had such engaging activities.”

Days like these are so important, thank you to Hampton Court Palace for helping us create such a magical experience.

National Trust

Over summer we shared our exciting new partnership with the National Trust, offering our single-parent community 3,000 free day passes.

Check out some photos from the groups and read what a member wrote about the opportunity.

“It allowed us to enjoy a family day out we otherwise wouldn’t have had, and let my daughter see both her mother and father spending time together.”

A huge thank you to the National Trust for providing this experience to our single-parent families!

If you’d like to join the Gingerbread community click the button below!