Smiling Families - Our Story...

The charity was founded by Paul and Kerry Martin after Kerry experienced a life-threatening illness following the traumatic birth of their child, Owen, which led to a number of ongoing health concerns.

While Paul and Kerry received support from their families, they found limited opportunities to connect with other families in similar situations. Drawing from their experiences working with various Midlands-based charities, they decided to organize several family fun days, providing those affected by illness a chance to relax and enjoy time together as a family unit.

In addition to fun days and events, the charity offers support systems to help families foster friendships with others who have faced similar challenges.

Kerry, a qualified teacher, is currently studying to become a family counsellor to further develop the charity. Paul is a qualified trainer and regularly holds sessions for NHS staff, highlighting areas in which practice and procedures can be improved.

The vision for the charity is to increase the number of fun events and activities, to include many more children and parents affected by illness, to expand web page forums to include professional help and advice and to continue to develop improved relationships between external bodies and those who need support.

Smiling Families would like to see smiles on the faces of children and parents who are suffering and improved support for family units.

Over the next two years, we plan to support even more families. We have activities planned for a Teddy Bears picnic with special Teddy Mascots, and visits to Families unable to go on holiday due to illness, we are going to take a mobile beach, sand, games, mocktail bar and BBQ for a fun staycation memory!

We also aim to provide additional supportive services during our weekly meetings. This includes practical visits from solicitors, medical staff, family portrait photographers, and counsellors. We can offer first aid training and continue to organise unique, fun activities and outings to create memorable experiences.

Please donate to Smiling Families Charity >

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“The small charity with the BIG heart”