Parent Sanctuary is here to support the emotional, physical and mental health of families. We encourage parents to connect with the outdoors and nature, and in doing so, create a sense of calm and connection with their families.
Where we started
In 2020, we were faced with a global change to life brought to us by the Covid-19 Pandemic. We were parents of young babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. We had to find our resilience and learn how to parent in the isolation and loneliness that lockdown brought, away from a physical support network and activities that would entertain the older children.
As we emerged from the first lockdown in the summer of 2020, we were able to start meeting friends outside. We started meeting friends for walks and we recognised the benefit that these walks had on our mental health and the mental health of our children. We had spent months with limited social contact and the positive impact of having time together and connecting with nature was huge.
From walking together to ease our own isolation, our vision grew. We knew that there were many other parents around Kirklees and the wider West Yorkshire Area, that felt similar to us. We started organising weekly walks for parents of young children, walks aimed at bringing parents together in nature; a chance to bond with their children, share peer support and connect with nature.
Our Mission
We aim to support parents in feeling calmer and more able to tackle day to day family life. We provide opportunities for parents to connect and bond with their children and other parents and we aim to empower them to feel able to explore their local area and enjoy sharing nature with their children.
Our Vision
We want every parent to have access to friendly support that feels easy, affordable and rooted in their community.
As we grow, we will continue expanding:
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Weekly nature-based sessions that boost wellbeing for the whole family
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Babywearing support that enables parents to be active and connected
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Creative outdoor play, music and arts experiences for young children
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Strong partnerships across our region to reach families who need us most
Our long-term vision is for Parent Sanctuary to become a trusted presence in towns across Yorkshire — helping parents feel outdoors-confident, emotionally supported, and part of a caring community.
Helping families through the pandemic and beyond
Families Helped
£ Raised
km walked
What our parents say
"Parent sanctuary is a great organisation which helps parents in regards to support for brest/chest feeding/formula feeding, sleeping safely, sling wearing, mental health, well being and many more"
Rachel Barraclough
Attended January 2022
"I would say my favourite part was hearing stories and advice from yourself and other members, it was helpful and made me remember i am not alone, as a first time mum, and with being new to the area it's made me more confident."
Rebecca Louise