Educafe’s Impact Intern, Daisy Stratton, explains how Parents Village’s impact extends beyond parenting support to build confidence, wellbeing and lasting community connections. 

Background 

Educafe’s Parent Village supports parents and caregivers with young children, creating opportunities for families to connect, access support, and build a sense of belonging within their local community. Attendees come from a range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds, including White British, Asian, Eastern European, Middle Eastern and African communities. Many are first-time parents or individuals on maternity leave who are navigating the challenges and changes that come with early parenthood. 

For many parents, the transition into parenthood can be an isolating experience. Changes in routine, reduced social interaction, and the demands of caring for a young child can leave individuals feeling disconnected from friends, family and their wider community. Several participants described feeling lonely, lacking confidence, or being unsure where to turn for advice and support. 

One participant reflected that before attending Educafe’s Parent Village they often felt isolated as a first-time mother and struggled to find opportunities to meet other parents who understood their experiences. Others described being unaware of local services and community opportunities available to families. 

Pathway to Educafe 

Many attendees first discovered Educafe through recommendations from friends, local community networks, social media, and word of mouth. The welcoming and informal nature of Parent Village attracted parents looking for a safe and supportive environment where both they and their children would feel comfortable. 

Participants were often seeking more than practical parenting advice. They wanted opportunities to meet others, build friendships and feel connected to their community during a period of life that can often feel isolating. 

Experience at Educafe 

Parent Village provides a relaxed and welcoming space where parents can meet others, share experiences, and access support in a non-judgemental environment. Through regular sessions, community activities and informal conversations, attendees are able to build relationships with other parents while developing confidence in their role as caregivers. 

Participants consistently described Educafe as friendly, inclusive and supportive. The opportunity to connect with others experiencing similar challenges helped many parents feel understood and less alone. 

One participant described Educafe as: 

“A beautiful community.” 

Another shared: 

“It’s a great way to meet people and find valuable information and support as a mum.” 

Many attendees also became involved in the wider Educafe community through the WhatsApp group and additional community activities, this helped the support networks and community build beyond the weekly sessions.  

Impact and Outcomes 

Attendance at Parent Village led to meaningful improvements in wellbeing, confidence and social connections.  

Survey findings showed that 68% of participants reported improved wellbeing, while 68% said they had made new friends through attending Educafe. In addition, 62% reported increased confidence and 74% said they had become more aware of local support services and opportunities available to families. 

Beyond the statistics, participants frequently spoke about feeling less isolated and more connected to others. Many described the reassurance that comes from knowing there are people they can talk to who understand the realities of parenting. 

One participant explained that Educafe: 

“Helps me not feel alone as a first-time mum.” 

For many families, Parent Village became more than a support group. It became a community where friendships were formed, experiences were shared, and confidence gradually grew through regular interaction with others. 

The findings suggest that Parent Village supports both emotional wellbeing and community participation by creating opportunities for meaningful social connection at a stage of life when many parents can feel particularly isolated. 

What Made the Difference 

A key factor highlighted by participants was the welcoming atmosphere created by Educafe staff, volunteers and fellow parents. 

Attendees described feeling accepted, listened to and supported from their first visit. The informal and non-judgemental environment allowed parents to speak openly about their experiences, seek advice, and develop relationships with others facing similar challenges. 

Participants also highlighted the value of the Parent Village WhatsApp group, which extended support beyond face-to-face sessions and helped maintain friendships and connections throughout the week. 

Together, these factors created a strong sense of community and belonging that many participants felt was difficult to find elsewhere. 

Longer-term Reflection 

The impact of Parent Village extends beyond individual sessions. Through friendships, peer support and community connections, families develop sustainable networks that continue to support them outside of Educafe. 

Many participants reported feeling more confident engaging with others, more connected to their local area, and better informed about opportunities and services available to them. For some, Educafe became an important part of their parenting journey and a place where they felt welcomed, valued and understood. 

The experiences shared by participants demonstrate that Parent Village provides much more than activities for parents and children. It creates a community where families can build confidence, reduce isolation and develop a genuine sense of belonging through connecting over shared experiences.  

Wider Public Health Impact 

Parent Village demonstrates the important role that community-based organisations can play in addressing wider determinants of health. By reducing social isolation, strengthening social networks and improving access to information and support such as evidence-based coping skills and first aid for infants, Educafe contributes to the overall health and wellbeing of both parents and families. 

The survey findings suggest that Parent Village helps individuals build social capital, improve confidence and become more connected to their local community. These outcomes are particularly important during early parenthood, when social isolation and reduced wellbeing can have significant impacts on both parents and children. 

By creating inclusive spaces where families can connect, share experiences and support one another, Educafe is helping parents move from isolation towards confidence, connection and belonging within their community.