With SMILE, lone parenting doesn’t need to be lonely parenting’
SMILE provides support, activities and friendship for single parent families. Our goal is to create a community of families who support each other and live everyday to the full.
SMILE provides three types of support: SMILE VIP sessions with other lone parent families, SMILE PLUS activities with other community groups in churches and SMILE CONNECT an online community.
As a SMILE community our values are: inclusivity, kindness, respectfulness, learning, empowerment, trust and responsibility. You can see a full description of our values below.
If you would like to volunteer with SMILE please email us using the contact form below (please select Volunteer & Fundraise as your subject) – we look forward to hearing from you.
Find out how your support has helped us to bring hope to single parent families in our latest annual review.
Single Parent Help & Support at SMILE
SMILE VIP – Running & Walking Group
This free group provides the opportunity to make friends, keep fit and socialise. The group is flexible to adapt to people’s fitness levels. Simply meet us at the shore end of Green Road/Baiter Park. Or text one of the team and we will look out for you.
Day: Wednesdays (term-time only)
Time: 9.30am
Where: Shore end of Green Road/ Baiter Park.
SMILE VIP – Smile Coffee
Catch up with old friends and meet new ones at this relaxed group. A chance to wind down at the end of the week.
Day: Fridays
Time: 9.30am – 11.30am
Where: Longfleet Baptist Church, 138 Wimborne Rd, Poole BH15 2EX
SMILE Plus – Community Events
The following events are closely supported by SMILE – you can download an activities calendar below.
The team are available if you would like someone to come along to a group with you for your first visit.
- Pilates – gentle pilates with Olga Vikhrova
- Little Gems & Sunshines pre-school groups
- St Mary’s Church, Longfleet – meet the SMILE team for a range of support
- The Salvation Army – coffee, chat and craft (the SMILE team often drop in on this event)
For more information please call the team or message us through our Facebook group SMILE Connect, Poole – follow the link below to join.
SMILE VIP – SMILE Days Out, Retreats & Special Events
Child Development Course with Dr Felicity Rice
Are you finding it difficult to know why your child is reacting the way they are or how to help? Or do you simply want to make sure you are doing the best you can as a parent? Come along and learn about tried and tested techniques from Dr Felicity Rice!
Dates: 4 June – 2 July 2024
Day: Tuesday
Time: 9.30am – 12pm
Where: Poole
Cost: £5 for the whole course*
*Please speak with us if you are unable to afford this
Days out, retreats, and special events are also held across Dorset throughout the year. These events are often free or low cost to ensure they are as affordable as possible.
These have included day and weekend retreats at The Greenhouse Christian Centre in Poole and Longmead Community Farm in Blandford. Activity days at Project Manna, watersports days, beach days and more!
Latest News & Events
SMILE Lone Parent Fair 2024
Good old-fashioned fun was the order of the day at the SMILE Lone Parent Fair 2024. Exactly 200 parents and children spent the afternoon away from the challenges of parenting alone to relax and
Blue Soul Customs Donate Trainers to the SMILE project
There were smiles all round when Bournemouth tattoo shoe company, Blue Soul Customs, donated brand new trainers to children and teenagers at the SMILE Community Meal. Business owner Harrison Alcock explained: "Years ago,
It’s Our 20th Birthday!
Happy Birthday to us! So, how will we celebrate? In 20 fun and inspiring ways throughout 2024! All of which highlight our Values, these are: Welcoming, Alongside, Trusted, Practical and Empowering. Kicking things off and starting
SMILE Lone Parent Fair 2024
Good old-fashioned fun was the order of the day at the SMILE Lone Parent Fair 2024. Exactly 200 parents and children spent the afternoon away from the challenges of parenting alone to relax and
Blue Soul Customs Donate Trainers to the SMILE project
There were smiles all round when Bournemouth tattoo shoe company, Blue Soul Customs, donated brand new trainers to children and teenagers at the SMILE Community Meal. Business owner Harrison Alcock explained: "Years ago,
It’s Our 20th Birthday!
Happy Birthday to us! So, how will we celebrate? In 20 fun and inspiring ways throughout 2024! All of which highlight our Values, these are: Welcoming, Alongside, Trusted, Practical and Empowering. Kicking things off and starting
We are so grateful for our SMILE funders