Houghton-Le-Spring Residents CIC

Houghton-le-Spring Residents CIC provided free family events throughout the year focused on people who live in disadvantaged areas. We ran 12 Kids in the Park events with an average attendance of 500 children and their families where they took part in outdoor games, trails and other physical activities, craft activities and were given free refreshments. Fairground shows and inflatables were provided at no cost to the families. Children’s entertainment and walk around caricatures’ We also ran workshops for Easter, remembrance, we took part in Houghton Feast which is a traditional week-long celebration in the area. Houghton Le Spring Residents delivered “memory cafes” Drop in’s and get togethers throughout the week. We also held a “fair ground inspired Free Family Funday which attracted over 300 people. Christmas ornaments and Christmas keepsakes for our illuminations display at Christmas. Christmas Carol-Oke event workshops then a wonderful community get together celebrating a very special time of year singing around our community Christmas tree. We also took part in larger community events by providing the children’s activities for The Coronation Big Lunch. We also support the Acumen Community Buildings Youth clubs and Holiday and Food Activity programmes with additional activities. Every Tuesday we help facilitate “Tuesday Treckers Wellbeing Walk” with over 50 walkers who meet up at Kepier Hall then come back for the all-important cuppa and a chat. In winter a warming treat of homemade soup awaits them. Weekly warm spaces are included where we provide entertainment and crafts. Working together in partnership with many organisations who are also based in our area and in addition we have provided craft and other activities for groups. We have 15 regular volunteers and up to 20 more occasional helpers who all benefit from working together to bring fun and friendship to our community. We also regularly advocate, support and signpost residents to services who can help with debt/addiction/housing needs/mental health issues/counselling/homelessness/policing.