BENARTY Family Learning Fun Day was a huge success on Thursday when

there were in excess of 550 people at Benarty Centre.

Parents, carers and grandparents had a great fun filled free day to take their children to. The aim of the day was to open up the Benarty Centre and show the range of things available to the community.

It was structured to engage people in the area who may not have had reason to previously attend the Centre. Karen Heriot said: "As the new community education worker in the area one of my three focus areas is to establish positive, fun and educational youth opportunities for the young people.

"Fife Council's Community Learning and Development have recruited an additional four new youth workers to the Benarty Team to support and develop youth work in the area.

"Two, offer a Family Learning Programme that the community can take part in and three, support and develop new and interesting groups that individuals wish to have in their community.

"There will be a programme of activities that the community will be able to take part in over the coming months".

Karen added: "One area that will be developed will be a creative arts approach to addressing young women’s interests in their personal development, relationships and expectations of their futures. The programme will explore the potential within yourself. Please put your name down if you wish to take part or are interested in finding out more information."

Local Labour councillors attended and supported the day. Cllr Lockhart made an extra trip to the Co-op to pick more fruit for the children to make fruit kebabs.

Benarty Café had its busiest day and sold out of various things.

The library registered 190 people who took part in BookBug Sessions.

Positive feedback was received from many parents that they had enjoyed a thoroughly good day. It had been a great opportunity to get involved in free activities that ordinarily could be quite expensive for families to take part in.

The agencies attending found it useful showcasing services they provide in the local community.

Partner agencies/services on the day included Fife Council – Cycling -John McComisky, Development Officer was there with Balance Bikes for the under 5’s to try on the day.

John said: "It was great to offer a healthy activity for the younger children and give a lot of positive information about the Fife Cycle Park coming to the area. Future projects in the area will include the youth team on bike maintenance with the possibility of sessions on maintaining skateboards."

Home-Start support is available for any family experiencing difficulties and who has at least one child under five years of age.

Gingerbread provide expert advice, practical support and campaign for single parents. Courses available included , Saje Services – Programmes for women and men facing domestic abuse. Advice and support.

The Freedom Programme is designed to empower women to make positive choices about their lives. We would like young women from 14-18 and 18-25 that would be interested in writing up a Freedom Programme to get in touch, email Karen.heriot@fife.gov.uk No experience necessary just an interest in women’s issues and interests.

Do you want to volunteer?

Karen said they are looking for various volunteers to support all of these services. Volunteering offers an opportunity to develop skills and support others within communities.