Mike Penning visits ‘Families in Focus’

Mike Penning visited Families in Focus cic which promotes good parenting.

Hemel Hempstead MP and Shadow Minister for Health, Mike Penning, has visited the team at Families in Focus, a community interest company (CIC) that promotes good parenting in the community through a variety of parenting programmes.

Families in Focus was set up in 2006 by three local women, Jane Petrie, Francine Swaby and Lesley Chance, who have a wealth of knowledge from working within the parent support, schools and counselling fields.

Families in Focus say:
“We understand the difficulties that parents face today, especially as children don’t come with instruction manuals! Our parenting courses are all about reassuring parents that they are not alone and that they can give their children the best start in the future lives.”

Families in Focus courses provide a safe, welcoming environment, where parents are given the time and space to talk about their concerns and difficulties in order to gain confidence and where possible encouraged to try out new parenting skills.

The courses are mostly run in conjunction with Hertfordshire County Council Parenting Information Officers, Children’s Centre managers and Extended Schools Co-ordinators.

Mike said:
“I wholeheartedly support the work of Families in Focus. The family is central to our society and way of life – and yet new parents often feel overwhelmed by the pressures and responsibility suddenly thrust upon them. Being a parent does not always follow a smooth course and I welcome any moves to provide help and support.

“In this current economic climate, some families will sadly face further pressures such as unemployment, so now perhaps more than ever, the services offered by Families in Focus will prove invaluable.”

Anyone interested in learning more or attending a course can contact Families in Focus on 01442 219720 or www.familiesinfocus.co.uk.