FamiliesWe recognise that Families are at the heart of sustaining our vibrant and thriving Marylebone village community. The role of the Families representative within the Marylebone Association Committee is to champion the needs and wishes of resident parents and children INFLUENCING A NEW VISION FOR FAMILY LIFE IN MARYLEBONE We try to shape and influence new projects underway to positively impact the quality of family life here. Recent examples include: - Upgrade and refurbishment of Seymour Leisure Centre - A vision for the Redevelopment of Paddington Street Gardens North and South - Ideas for the best use of Marylebone Square community space ENGAGEMENT WITH SCHOOLS, RESIDENTS AND FAMILIES We meet with local School heads and parents, to understand needs and aspirations of local families. We run resident vox pops on key local issues, and engage in active listening, on what is working /not working for families in the area. We take the opportunity to speak to residents at weekends through our stand at the Farmers Market, and at key village calendar events such as the Marylebone Summer Festival and Christmas Lights FINDING CONNECTIONS BETWEEN BUSINESS and FAMILY INTERESTS At the last count, there are 8 primary and 11 secondary schools in Marylebone, serving both local children and families who travel into the area. We raise this with the local Business Improvement Districts as an opportunity for businesses to engage with families to re-purpose office space, and/or set up new businesses or product lines within existing businesses COLLABORATION WITH MARYLEBONE MUMS AND DADS GROUP The Marylebone Association regularly liaises with the Marylebone Mums & Dads group which continues to be active, with over 3000 members on Facebook and approx.300 members on the Telegram group chat. The group is a supportive and friendly community, that welcomes parents and carers: offering advice, recommendations and information sharing-anything from babies’ development to family support, and child friendly eating places in Marylebone. Niamh O’Keeffe Committee member for Families |