UMi Supports Life-Changing Family Services in Seaham

The Feel Good Families project, led by the Feel Good Factory CIC, received a £5,000 grant from the UMi Community Fund to develop innovative and accessible services for families in Seaham. Designed to equip families with tools to enhance their emotional well-being and resilience, this pilot initiative delivered life-changing results for ten parents and their families, including 18 children.

The Feel Good Factory CIC designed the programme to address the unique challenges faced by families. Parents were taught techniques to manage stress and build resilience, with the ultimate goal of fostering stronger family bonds. These skills were tailored to each family’s specific circumstances, allowing participants to embed practical strategies into their daily lives. By incorporating mindfulness and relaxation techniques, the programme empowered parents to remain calm and help their children navigate emotions and challenges at school and home.

One participant faced severe personal and family difficulties. Coping with a history of trauma, the daily pressures of raising two daughters—one of whom is autistic—and the emotional weight of past loss, they often struggled to manage. They shared how stress would lead them to faint due to an inability to regulate their nervous system. However, the course proved to be a turning point for them. Through the support of the Feel Good Factory CIC, they learned to manage their stress effectively, improve their sleep, and develop new family strategies that brought positive change to their home.

Reflecting on the impact of the programme, they said, “I have really enjoyed the course—it has changed my life for the better. The skills Gillian has taught me and my family have changed everything. I now know how to deal with stress loads better and the daily challenges of having a child with autism. If I had never met Gillian, I don’t think I would still be here today. I owe my life to her and can never thank her enough.”

The parent-led approach ensured that the programme was tailored to the needs of participants. Parents requested specific resources, such as family-focused support videos, which allowed them to progress at their own pace and revisit the techniques. This responsive approach exceeded expectations, with all families reporting significant improvements in their emotional well-being, resilience, and family dynamics.

The success of the Feel Good Families project has inspired the Feel Good Factory CIC to incorporate trauma-informed approaches into future programmes. The organisation is now developing a strategic family support programme to expand its impact, using the lessons learned from this pilot to support even more families in Seaham and beyond.

With support from the UMi Community Fund and the commitment of the Feel Good Factory CIC, families in Seaham are now empowered to navigate life’s challenges with strengthened resilience, unity, and renewed hope for the future.

For more information about Feel Good Factory CIC, click here.