February Half-term – free or low cost kids activities in Dorset
“What are we doing today?” is often the question dreaded by parents in the school holidays. With the double challenge of finding entertainment that doesn’t break the budget, we are well aware that the February half-term may feel daunting. From coding, building a bug hotel to a free family film club - we have put together a list
Coop Local Community Fund provides vital funds for SMILE lone parent project
On Friday 2nd December, Jodie and Simon from the Coop in Poole presented Racheal, our SMILE Project Lead, with a cheque for £1,862. This was the culmination of a year of fundraising in local Coop shops. Coop members chose SMILE as their preferred project, and then Coop put aside 1% of what these members spent on their groceries in
Project Christmas Hours 2022
Please note that our project Christmas hours 2022 are: Blandford Food Bank+ Closed on Tuesday 27th December Christchurch Food Bank+ Open as usual except on Monday 26th & Tuesday 27th December Poole Food Bank+ Open except on Tuesday 27th December *Please note the change in opening hours Wednesday 28th - Friday 30th December when Poole Food Bank+ will be
Ashleigh’s Story
“I’m now finding out who I am. But I’m also realising the mistakes I made in the past.” Ashleigh* joined the SMILE lone parent community 5 years ago. She was going through many challenges including domestic violence, court hearings over her children, and suicidal thoughts. She was having to face these challenges alone. Domestic abuse had always been a
SMILE Eat the Fruit of their Labour
SMILE were recently joined on their day out by volunteers from JP Morgan. The lone parent families project returned to our friends at Project Manna for woodland and river fun. The day included feeding the sheep, kayaking on the river, toasting marshmallows over a firepit and decorating flower pots. It also provided an opportunity to see how the fruit
