In Northampton and Stoke-on-Trent, churches are partnering with parenting charity Kids Matter to equip parents with the tools to build strong relationships with their children. At the heart of these projects is a shared vision: to see every child in need raised in a strong family.
A Vision for Parenting
Central Vineyard’s compassion ministry, Restore Northampton, and Potteries Vineyard have created safe spaces where parents can grow in confidence, competence and community.
“We’ve created that sort of environment where parents become less isolated and actually find friends and family,” says a facilitator from Restore. Parents are now encouraging one another, drawing others in, and building a sense of belonging. This kind of hope is contagious.
Real Change in Northampton and Stoke-on-Trent
At Restore Northampton, the impact of this project has been profound. Family Support Worker Laura Baker, who facilitates the programme, says one of the most powerful aspects has been the depth of relationship that forms in the group.
“My favourite thing about the programme is how well we get to know the parents. People really bare their soul and you become part of each other’s lives and communities. It builds such strong relationships that when someone’s having a bad day, they come in and say, ‘I need someone to talk to.’ We’re able to offer that support here.”
Laura has seen parents grow in confidence and connection, both with their children and with one another.
“There’s one mum who really took everything on board and wants to implement everything in her life. She’s been so open to changing how she parents without feeling criticised that she’s doing it wrong. She’s just seen a better way of doing it and is determined to parent better.”
“There’s a dad who models such amazing behaviour towards his child. He’ll always talk in a really calm voice to try and help keep his child regulated. He’s setting an example for others in the group, and you can see other parents thinking, ‘I want to parent like that too.’ That’s something I’m really proud of.”
The group dynamic has continued beyond the programme. Parents formed their own WhatsApp group, meet up regularly outside the sessions, and describe the community as “a second family.”
“We’ve created a space where people feel known and supported,” said one team member. One parent said, “We love coming here—it feels like family.”
At Potteries Vineyard, similar stories are emerging. Parents are reframing how they speak to their children and how they see them. As one parent shared:
“The programme has made me think about some of the things we’ve been doing and feel like we can change things.”
That sense of reflection has rippled through families. One household made a simple but powerful shift – turning off the Xbox at night and introducing a calmer bedtime routine. The result? Children are more settled and getting better sleep.
In another family, a parent began setting aside one-on-one time with their eldest child, away from the noise and demands of younger siblings. That small act of focused attention has opened the door to deeper conversations and emotional connection.
Church at the Heart of the Community
As the Vineyard movement continues to seek out those in the margins and make space for the vulnerable, partnerships like this one with Kids Matter reflect the Kingdom of God in action: empowering parents, strengthening families and transforming communities through the local church.
Want to bring Kids Matter to your Vineyard Church?
Visit kidsmatter.org.uk to learn how your church can partner in equipping parents and reaching families with the love of Christ.
