Let us run you through how things work!
The name is derived from an old folk story. Some travelers come to a village, carrying nothing more than an empty cooking pot. Upon their arrival, the villagers are unwilling to share any of their food stores with the very hungry travelers. Then the travelers go to a stream and fill the pot with water, drop a large stone in it, and place it over a fire. One of the villagers becomes curious and asks what they are doing. The travelers answer that they are making "stone soup", which tastes wonderful and which they would be delighted to share with the villager, although it still needs a little bit of garnish, which they are missing, to improve the flavor.
The villager, who anticipates enjoying a share of the soup, does not mind parting with a few carrots, so these are added to the soup. Another villager walks by, inquiring about the pot, and the travelers again mention their stone soup which has not yet reached its full potential. More and more villagers walk by, each adding another ingredient, like potatoes, onions, cabbages, peas, celery, tomatoes, sweetcorn, meat (like chicken, pork and beef), milk, butter, salt and pepper. Finally, the stone (being inedible) is removed from the pot, and a delicious and nourishing pot of soup is enjoyed by travelers and villagers alike. Although the travelers have thus tricked the villagers into sharing their food with them, they have successfully transformed it into a tasty meal which they share with the donors.
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Expect a warm, welcoming and diverse group of adults and their children who enjoy spending time playing, exploring, chatting and slurping a bowl of soup (or munching salad in the warmer weather). We are a volunteer-led group and believe that everyone has something to contribute to the Stone Soup pot - be it a smile, enjoyment of the session, bringing a vegetable for the soup, taking part in organising, or any other way you'd like to take part.
We usually begin with an ‘opening circle’ - a welcome song to introduce everyone and the theme for the session. Perhaps you could teach us how to say ‘hello’ in another language? If your child has a favourite song, this would be a lovely moment to suggest it and sing it together! Then there are several activities set up relating to session theme, such as the moon, Frieda Kahlo or winter. Activities are open-ended, which means that the children can engage with them in any way they want to - there’s no right or wrong. The aim is to give them inspiration for their play but to follow the child! Finally, we eat together and help tidy up.
If you’re new to our sessions and would like us to introduce you to a ‘buddy’ who has been before who can help you settle in, let us know by emailing us in advance or telling us on the day.
We usually have a creative mix of the activities available.
Something arty/crafty involving mark-making. If your child has a favourite craft, let us know and we can include it! We’ll pay for any materials needed.
Something involving sensory or messy play. We’d love to include any ideas you have for messy play that your child loves!
Bread-making and churning cream into butter, making soup in the colder months or (fruit) salad in the warmer months. Do you have a recipe for traditional bread you could share with us? Or seeds/herbs/spices you like to add to the soup to make it more flavourful?
Something outdoors involving exploring nature, if the space allows e.g. looking for bugs, gardening or a craft activity using natural materials. If you have an idea for an outdoor activity, please let us know!
Some interesting objects for the children to explore. Do you have an interesting object at home that links to the session theme? Exploring objects can be a great way to learn about different cultures.
Some nice books for the children to look at. Could you bring your child’s favourite book?
We often suggest an activity that parents can continue at home with their children once the session is over, to continue the play and learning beyond the session itself! If you have an idea for that, please tell us - we can cover the cost of any associated materials.
Songs or stories for the opening and closing circles This is another lovely moment to share your child’s favourite song or perhaps a song from your own childhood.
We welcome a chopped vegetable or fruit to add to our soup / (fruit) salad, depending on the season. You could also suggest a theme, lead a song, welcome people as they arrive, organise an activity, make the soup, be a buddy to a new member, help tidy up... We welcome all contributions, large or small. If you want to help behind the scenes, that's an option too - fundraising, social media and other communication, community outreach, governance, strategic planning, tax returns - we have something for everyone! Whatever you help with, we'll ensure you're not left out of pocket.
Bring a song in your home language or from another culture
Help to make tea for parents
Bring a herb or spice to put in our soup
Bring a craft activity your child loves (we can pay for any resources!)
Help to stir the soup in the kitchen
Bring a story you love to share in the circle
Teach us ‘hello’ in your home language
Teach us a game you used to play as a child
Come a bit early to help us set up, or stay a bit later to help us clean up
Be a ‘buddy’ for someone who is new to our sessions, to help them feel at home.
Volunteering is great for YOU - it’s a great way to improve your own wellbeing. We're all largely volunteers and we’re all doing it because we feel we get lots in return, including a sense of joy, hope and belonging. If we're not proof enough, evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing - and volunteering with us can help you do all 5!
Trying these things could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life:
CONNECT WITH OTHERS: We know parenting can be tough and isolating at times. You’ll feel more connected to others in your community, and build your support network as a parent.
BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE: Being active is not only great for your physical health and fitness. Our sessions get you out and about which can help to positively change your mood.
SELF-DEVELOPMENT: It’s a great way to keep learning and develop your skills, particularly about topics that can support you in your parenting journey. For example, we offer free training and support for regular volunteers on a range of topics including child development, safeguarding and first aid.
GIVE TO OTHERS: It’s a great way to give back to your local community. Research suggests that acts of giving and kindness can help improve your mental wellbeing by:
creating positive feelings and a sense of reward
giving you a feeling of purpose and self-worth
helping you connect with other people
Your contribution to Stone Soup is great for YOUR CHILD too - by sharing what your child loves with the group, you’ll help them to feel more engaged, confident and develop a sense of belonging in the community.
PAY ATTENTION TO THE PRESENT MOMENT: It can be easy to rush through life without stopping to notice much. Playing and being more in the present moment can improve your mental wellbeing.