Multi-Generation Living

Discovering that a nearly-retired couple I know in Westbury have built an extension to their home, have moved into the annexe, and have handed the original property over to their daughter, I was interested in this article from the Relationships Foundation which highlights multi-generation living as a growing trend in the UK. Findings include:

• half a million properties are currently inhabited by multi-generation households (three or more generations)
• the number is increasing due to the housing slowdown, falling pensions, rising childcare costs and increased life expectancy
• Singapore and Hong Kong provide financial incentives to encourage such schemes, due to their efficiency in reducing social care costs
• There are calls to make the practice attractive in Britain through tax breaks for such households and relaxed planning laws
  
• Pensioners now outnumber children in the UK for the first time
  

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Nicole Jackson on Parenting

Was I the only person in Bristol who was sad to listen to local singer Nicole Jackson talking on X Factor about her non-relationship with her father?

As the camera zoomed in on the Bristol teenager's trembling lip and tears, we learned that having not spoken with her father for two years, she hopes that if she does well in the televised talent show, perhaps she will be able to have a conversation with her dad.

Now, obviously, I don't know any of the history of this relationship and am in no way passing judgement on any member of the family. However, I do notice that there seem to be a lot of kids out there who appear to think that fame, or "success" is a necessary ingredient for enjoying a loving relationship with other human beings. I also notice that some adults seem to be of the same opinion.

I'm glad that view is incorrect. Otherwise the 99.9% of us of all ages whose lives will always be characterised by obscurity will be doomed to unhappy relationships.

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Single Parents' Fair

The Community Church - formerly Henleaze and Westbury Community Church - held its first Single Parents' Fair on May 16th at the Greenway Centre in Southmead.

Over 125 single parents plus about 240 children came to the event and were treated to a range of free events and services.

While mums enjoyed free hairstyling, manicures, and family photos and left with a free goody bag, the kids enjoyed pony rides, face painting, bouncy castle, basketball coaching, break dancing and video games.

Advice agencies were also present giving help on housing, money management, jobs and health.

Church leader Tim Dobson says that several single parent support groups are likely to start as a result of the fair and that the church anticipates running a follow up event in November. "Everything was free, people felt valued and it was lots of fun!"

The Community Church has a long history of practical community action. A large number of its members took part in the recent Bristol 10K run under the Love Running team banner. Love Running raised a remarkable £62,000 as part of the 10K run, the amount being divided equally between its three nominated charities: St Peter's Hospice, One25 and World Vision (Zimbabwe Partnership).

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