In January 2026, Southport Together Community Support Service is launching two new and welcoming peer support groups designed especially for parents, carers and family members.
Fresh Start Fridays, beginning on 9 January at Linaker Family Wellbeing Centre, and Tea and Talk, launching on 12 January at The Family Life Centre in partnership with FLOAT Therapies.
Both groups have been created to bring families together, strengthen community ties, and offer a range of support tailored to the unique challenges parents and carers often face—whether those challenges relate to mental health, daily family stress, or the emotional impact of the tragic events of Summer 2024.
The sessions are open to all parents, carers and family members, regardless of circumstance, and are designed to be spaces where everyone is welcomed with kindness, patience and understanding.
The sessions will be calm, informal and completely pressure-free, with no expectation to speak, participate or share unless attendees feel comfortable.
Fresh Start Fridays, held monthly on a Friday from 12.30-2pm at Linaker Family Wellbeing Centre is a friendly drop-in style session.
At the first session on 9th January, there will be an opportunity to meet with the School Nurse team and on 13th February staff from Team Around the School will be available to chat, answer questions and offer guidance around family health, emotional wellbeing, behaviour or school concerns.
Tea and Talk, will be held monthly on Monday evenings at The Family Life Centre, 5.30pm-7pm.
This will bring a warm and welcoming end-of-day space for parents and carers to unwind, connect and reflect. This group will be facilitated by Penny Roscoe-Jones, an experienced psychodynamic counsellor with a diploma in play therapy and extensive experience supporting children, families and parents.
Penny brings a compassionate, non-judgemental approach, and her background allows her to understand not only the pressures adults face but also the challenges children may be navigating at home or at school. At the end of each session, participants will also have the option to speak with Penny one-to-one if they feel they need additional guidance, reassurance or a private conversation.
The Southport Together Community Support Service recognises that many families in the local area have faced overwhelming emotional and mental health challenges over the past year, including the lasting impact of the tragic events that occurred during Summer 2024.
Parents of children and young people up to the age of 18, or 25 with SEND, are welcome to come along even if they are unsure about talking or participating.
There is absolutely no pressure or expectation placed on anyone.
Southport Together Community Support Service staff will be available to chat to attendees and signpost to activities and groups in the local community.
If you would like to find out more about Southport Together Community Support Service, the upcoming groups, or how to get involved, please contact communityoutreach@seftoncvs.org.uk
The team is happy to answer questions, offer guidance, or help you decide whether these groups might be the right fit for you. Everyone is welcome, and we look forward to meeting and supporting local families in the weeks and months ahead.
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