Welcome to our March 2026 Newsletter
Welcome to our second Newsletter! Spring has finally arrived, it’s lovely to see the days stretching out and all the crocuses, daffodils and other bulbs breaking through with some much needed colour.
You may recall our groups which used to run fortnightly have now been running weekly since the start of January. We’ve already seen what a positive difference this is having for the children and young people who attend as they are receiving more support in achieving their goals, making new friends, meeting up with existing friends in their groups, trying new things and gaining confidence.
The refurbishment of or lounge area is almost complete, our new sofa, beanbags and soft furnishings look great and have been a hit with the children and young people providing a cosy and colourful space for them all. We’d like to do more to improve our premises and will keep you updated on this.
Our groups have been doing some pretty spectacular and fun activities! I’d never heard of building Marshmallow Towers, a tricky task involving teamwork and real ingenuity and imagination. You may have seen the photos on our Facebook page. Other groups of children had a great time on World Book Day doing some fun activities and creating Monster Bookmarks. It was “Book-tastic” as one of the group leaders said! On a different evening, the Great Egg Drop Challenge took place and remarkably little mess ensued. This week the Monday group created Erupting Volcanos, from craft clay and baking soda amongst other ingredients showing science can be interesting and fun. And of course, much Lego has been built (always a favourite) and there were some Movie nights too.
We’re looking now to the end of term and the Easter Holidays and planning what activities the children and young people will do when they meet up next. Fingers crossed for some sunny weather in the school holidays! We think it’s important to mark the end of term with a bit of a treat or outing after such a busy term. We’ll also be issuing all of the children with an individual, personalised Achievement Certificates to mark all they’ve achieved in their own goals for attending SEAL and working together so well as groups.
We received a kind and thoughtful opportunity from Crossgates Primrose Football Club who had been fundraising for new home and away strips which they managed to do without sponsorship and have chosen SEAL and Cardiac Risk in Youth to promote on their new shirts. This community support is much appreciated as our name and logo will be promoted each time Primrose play. We know how loved the club is and the fantastic work they do with young people. Thank you again to all at Primrose for thinking of us!
What else has been happening? One of our Volunteers who provided short term sessional work in the past has kindly taken up post of Group Leader again from January and now works with us one evening and volunteers on another evening each week. We have appointed a new Office Manager and Stand-in Office Manager after a very competitive recruitment process who are already real assets to our small team. Our previous office manager is really missed, she worked incredibly hard ensuring all the background office processes ran smoothly and efficiently.
Our new information leaflets, one for children and young people and one for parents and carers will be launching soon. We will have e-leaflets and hard copies which we hope will provide the children and young people (and their parents/carers) with more information and answer some questions they have when they’ve been referred to SEAL. While our website has lots of information our leaflets will specifically answer the questions we get asked most from children and parents and carers. We like other organisations now also have a complaints policy and leaflet specifically for children and young people so their right to complain is clear and respected.
The Group Leaders at SEAL are extremely skilled at supporting all of the children and young people who attend SEAL each week. They make sure the children feel safe and secure and encourage creativity and trying new things with real kindness and care. We are really pleased to announce that this year all of our Group Leaders will undertake Trauma Informed Practice Level 2 training which will enhance their existing skills and ensure our response is right for every child.
Finally, we are always looking for feedback and new ideas, if you have any please do get in touch at office@sealdunfermline.org.uk
Wishing everyone a happy and relaxing Easter when it comes.
Everyone at Team SEAL
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