Supporting Community Groups
Local people know best what their community needs and PCVS are able to provide the tools to give these groups the best chance to thrive and serve.
Read the stories of two local groups established by parents to support their communities.
Little Miracles
Little Miracles exists to ensure families that have children with additional needs, disabilities and life-limiting conditions can access the care and support they need and connect with each other in confidence and without judgement.
We started back in 2010 with the belief that no family should have to feel as alone as I did. From very humble beginnings as a drop-in support group, we have grown into a network of 14 branches supporting thousands of children and their families. In 2013 we were very fortunate to work with BBC Children in Need and DIY SOS team and created our purpose-built centre, The Spinney, which remains our Head Office in Peterborough.
Hampton Tiddlers
In 2014 financial pressures forced Peterborough City Council to close its Childrens Centres.
Hampton is a growing new development on the edge of Peterborough and users of the Childrens Centre campaigned hard against the closure, especially as there was little other provision within a reasonable distance. The City Council directed the campaigners to PCVS to discuss setting up their own local group. PCVS provided infrastructure support to decide the best structure for the new group and gave training on running a voluntary organisation including policies and safeguarding. This allowed Hampton Tiddlers to provide a safe and supportive space for parents and carers to meet and children to play in a ‘stay and play’ setting within Hampton. In 2019 Hampton Tiddlers won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service having served over 1000 families with play sessions.
As with many other local groups PCVS has an ongoing relationship with Hampton Tiddlers and is currently providing support to increase its financial health.
Women's Forum
PCVS has hosted a Women's Forum in various guises on and off for many years.
The forum aimed to discuss the issues and difficulties women face within the city, how these voices can be amplified, and where the gaps are within the city. The forum ceased in 2024.
During Covid the Women’s Forum became digital and was a lifeline for many. It organised and hosted a very successful International Women’s Day (IWD) event in 2022. Since then the Women’s forum has met sporadically to organise IWD events.
In 2024 the Peterborough Women’s Forum organised an IWD event at the New Theatre in Peterborough. The forum held a mini survey of issues affecting women in Peterborough, held self-defense classes, a menopause workshop, had a catwalk with women showcasing traditional costume and enjoyed some great food and entertainment.