South Cheshire CLASP celebrates new premises

26 years ago, single parent of 2 boys, Angie, decided to invite a couple of other Mums who were parenting alone, to have coffee and a chat about how they could support one another.

Today, South Cheshire CLASP, a small charity employing 14 part-time staff, supports around 200 lone parent families a year in Crewe and the surrounding area.

Offering a mix of support, all tailored to lone parents and their children, CLASP, based in Crewe, is often the first port of call for parents who are suddenly single, bereaved, divorced and/or parenting alone.

CLASP is well-known and respected by parents and organisations alike for offering support such as counselling, parenting courses and a comforting coffee and chat.

Single Mum, Claire (not her real name), who has accessed our Coffee & Chat service said:

“It is such a professional service. There are limits and boundaries, I feel safe, and it’s confidential – all with a warm human being who gets to know you. The balance between approachability and professionalism is just right.

The calls really make a difference to my week. It helps there and then, on the day, and it lets you get on with the day.

It has an impact every day. 

It provides a safety net for the week. Knowing it’s there, helps me box things off.

My confidence as a parent has increased since having the calls. It also helps me put things in perspective.

My emotional wellbeing has improved enormously. During the first call, I cried most of the time. Now I hardly ever cry (but I know I could). I have come a long way.

These days, with the way things are, a small thing can knock things out of balance. There is a lot of background stress which creeps into relationships.

What you do at CLASP is a lifesaver. CLASP are absolute superheroes… without the capes!”

CLASP is celebrating its new premises by holding an Open Day in our new premises in Mill House, Brook Street, Crewe.

The team, including our wonderful volunteers, will be available to demonstrate what we do, chat, and answer questions. There will be refreshments, including cake, demonstrations, displays and a bag of goodies to take away.

 Pictured - Sarah Blake-Appleton, Children’s Counsellor.