{"id":1980,"date":"2025-05-12T13:33:02","date_gmt":"2025-05-12T12:33:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.manchester.ac.uk\/edi\/?p=1980"},"modified":"2025-05-12T13:33:02","modified_gmt":"2025-05-12T12:33:02","slug":"dr-perpetual-eze-idehen-uom-parents-and-carers-network-hosts-building-community-through-celebration-connection-well-being","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.manchester.ac.uk\/edi\/2025\/05\/12\/dr-perpetual-eze-idehen-uom-parents-and-carers-network-hosts-building-community-through-celebration-connection-well-being\/","title":{"rendered":"Dr Perpetual Eze-Idehen: UoM Parents and Carers Network Hosts – Building Community Through Celebration, Connection & Well-being"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Eid Celebration<\/span>: <\/span>A Joyous Gathering of Culture and Community<\/span><\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

On Friday, 4th April 2025, <\/span><\/span>T<\/span><\/span><\/span>t<\/span><\/span><\/span>he University of Manchester\u2019s Parents, Carers and Guardians Network hosted a vibrant and heart-warming Eid Celebration at the Nancy Rothwell Building. The event brought together families, students, and <\/span><\/span>staff <\/span><\/span><\/span>colleagues <\/span><\/span><\/span>across the university to celebrate the spirit of Eid in a joyful atmosphere of togetherness and cultural appreciation.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

With families dressed in beautiful traditional attire, children buzzing with excitement, and a rich programme of activities, the space was filled with warmth, colour, and laughter. Attendees enjoyed a wide array of activities including cake decorating, bead making, origami workshops, and Eid storytelling, each engaging children in hands-on learning that deepened their understanding of the festival’s meaning.<\/p>\n

A dedicated play area created a welcoming space for little ones to relax, while a popular henna stand added a traditional touch enjoyed by all. The celebration continued with games for all ages and a delicious halal meal lovingly shared amongst attendees. The event welcomed a truly diverse mix of guests from undergraduate students to academics, professional services, and technical colleagues highlighting the University’s commitment to inclusion, cultural awareness, and family-friendly engagement.<\/p>\n

The celebration extended beyond campus on 9th April, when the Network partnered with the Manchester Museum to bring a public-facing Eid family celebration to the wider community. With origami and storytelling sessions at the heart of the activities, the event fused creativity, culture, and community proving once again that shared experiences can strengthen our bonds and celebrate our collective diversity.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Basketball for Fun: Family Well-being Through Sport<\/strong><\/p>\n

As part of the Easter Holiday Activities, the Network also partnered with Champions Basketball Club to promote family well-being through physical activity. Held at Moss Side Millennium Powerhouse, the event invited children and their parents\/carers for a session of light-hearted, high-energy basketball.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Children played with excitement while parents cheered them on and then swapped roles for their own fun-filled session, encouraged by their young ones from the sidelines. This initiative was more than just sport; it was a powerful demonstration that well-being is a shared family journey. With laughter, encouragement, and movement, the event supported our collective goal of building a more connected, active, and inclusive university community.<\/p>\n

Lunch & Connect: Sharing Stories, Strengthening Support<\/strong><\/p>\n

On 8th May, the Network hosted another successful Lunch & Connect session. It was a joy to see new faces join the conversation, with colleagues sharing stories, ideas, and support in a warm, informal environment. These peer-led sessions continue to be a valuable space for mutual encouragement and shared learning.<\/p>\n

Looking ahead, our next Lunch & Connect will take place on Tuesday, 9th July<\/strong>, from 12:00\u201314:00 at Nancy Rothwell 3A.057. The focus of the discussion will be:<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you a parent\/carer of a neurodiverse child?\u201d<\/strong>
Led by Martin Simmons and Matthew Foulkes<\/em><\/p>\n

We\u2019d like to invite you to come along, bring your lunch, and join an honest, supportive conversation with colleagues who share similar experiences. This session will offer space to explore how we might better support each other, advocate for our children, and improve services across the university.<\/p>\n

Together, through celebration, movement, and meaningful conversation, the UoM Parents, Carers & Guardians Network continues to champion inclusion, well-being, and community across our university.<\/p>\n

Join the UoM Parents, Carers & Guardians Network<\/strong> to stay engaged with our community, access resources, and receive updates on upcoming events.<\/p>\n