Category: News

A new support group in Moab is offering parents of LGBTQ+ children a space to ask questions, process emotions and connect with others facing similar challenges.

Abigail Lawrence and Antje Rath stand outside the Moab Resource Center, where they co-facilitate a new support group for parents of LGBTQ+ children, with Rebecca McAllister. Photo by Andrew Christiansen

Currently meeting at 5 p.m. every second and fourth Wednesday at the Moab Resource Center, facilitators say the group provides a judgment-free environment where parents can navigate the complexities of supporting their children.

The group launched in January and is facilitated by volunteers Abigail Lawrence and Rebecca McAllister and licensed therapist Antje Rath. Lawrence, a Moab Pride volunteer and co-facilitator, said the goal is to give parents a place to talk openly about their experiences and struggles, regardless of their child’s age.

“There’s absolutely no political agenda, no undertone of this at all,” Lawrence said. “That’s not our goal — to tell people how to parent their kid. The goal is just to have a space for open dialogue where they can ask questions and process their own thoughts about it, and then hopefully leave the group and center their kid afterwards.”

Rath, a therapist at Moab Regional Hospital who also helps facilitate the group, said many parents share concerns about their child’s well-being.

“Most parents are highly concerned about if their child will be safe and happy throughout their lifetime,” Rath said. “They don’t want their child to be judged or hurt, they want to support but often don’t know how.”

Rath, who has worked with many LGBTQ+ individuals and their families, said that isolation is a common struggle for parents.

“The topic of ‘feeling alone’ comes up often, as well as ‘I wish I could talk to somebody who has had this experience,’” she said. “The group provides community, support and a network.”

Lawrence said parents often lack examples of how to navigate these situations, making an open discussion space even more important.

“To raise a queer kid is challenging, and there’s not a lot of resources available,” she said. “If you as a parent haven’t been through that, then you’re going to have questions.”

Lawrence said while Moab is generally an accepting place, parents don’t always know where to turn for support. Rath added that while online resources exist, in-person connections provide something more meaningful.

“There are online resources, for sure, but actually connecting with people in person seems more rewarding and helpful,” Rath said. “I hope that over time the group members will create a network for themselves and parents who are new to this, in order to support their kids and themselves.”

The group also serves as a space for parents to work through their own emotions, including uncertainty and fear, Lawrence said. Rath added that while individual counseling can be beneficial, hearing from others in similar situations can be just as valuable.

“If they can hear from other parents that they went through the same thing and that guilt or fear is a totally normal feeling at this point, it is validating and reassuring,” she said.

Since the group is still in its early stages, facilitators are open to adjusting its format based on what parents need most. Lawrence said that if recurring questions arise, they may invite guest speakers or specialists to provide additional insight.

She also encouraged parents to reach out if the current meeting schedule doesn’t work for them.

“I have gotten feedback from a couple of parents personally that were like, ‘I really want to be able to come and talk about things, but the time isn’t good for me,’” she said. “If there are multiple people, we could look into changing it.”

Parents interested in attending do not need to sign up in advance. Those with questions can contact Moab Pride at moabpridefest@gmail.com or reach out to Rath at AntjeR@mrhmoab.org.

“I don’t care what your political beliefs are. I don’t care how you vote,” Lawrence said. “I care about kids, and if this resource can help one parent be a better parent to their kid, that’s what I want.”

The hugely popular Toddle About Baby Show is returning to Warwick Hall on Sunday, 11 May 2025, and the countdown has officially begun.

With just over a month to go, excitement is building for what promises to be the “ultimate day out” for expectant parents, new parents, and families with babies and toddlers.

Doors open at 10am and the fun continues until 2pm, with free entry for all visitors.

What to Expect

Visitors can browse and shop from over 40 fantastic local businesses and national brands, offering exclusive baby show discounts on everything from baby essentials and nursery gear to classes and photography.

This year’s show is sponsored by Naturally Baby, and there’s plenty for the little ones too – from free soft play to live entertainment!

Live Talks and Demos on the Naturally Baby Live Stage

New for 2025, the event has an “inspiring line-up” of live talks, demos, and taster sessions taking place throughout the day.

Parents can access free expert advice on baby and toddler topics including:

• Feeding challenges in the early weeks (Wise Infant Feeding)
• Car seat safety (Naturally Baby) • Children’s first aid (Mini First Aid Warwickshire)
• Mum & Baby fitness (Sweaty Mama)
• Ballet, drama, and movement taster sessions for little ones

The Toddle About Baby Show is free to attend when you register online or £2 at the door.

The first 200 visitors will also receive a complimentary goody bag filled with treats and samples.

Organisers said: “This event is a must-attend for parents looking for expert insights, shopping opportunities, and fun activities for children.

“It’s also a unique chance to support a charity dedicated to empowering children and young adults with Down Syndrome, helping them build confidence and embrace their individuality.”

See more here.

A poignant moment unfolded during the latest episode of Good Morning Britain as host Susanna Reid offered her compassion to devastated mother Leanne Ekland. Co-hosting with Richard Madeley, the morning show on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, took a sombre turn when Leanne, who endured the tragic loss of her teenage son Max Dixon, joined them. Max was the youngest of four and devastatingly lost his life alongside his best friend, Mason Rist, who was just 15, to a brutal attack by a group of teenagers.

An intense and emotional interview saw Susanna gently urging Leanne to share memories of her son. Overcome with emotion and tears, Susanna reached out to comfort her, stopping the show to hold her hand. “I knew you’d ask this,” Leanne sobbed, but Susanna responded with care, emphasising that they aimed to honour Mason’s identity beyond being a victim. “We can talk about Mason after the show,” as she clasped her hand.

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By TUM BALOGUN

Published: 08:02 GMT, 19 March 2025 | Updated: 08:44 GMT, 19 March 2025

Five ways for c-stores to maximise profit

MOTHER’S Day presents plenty of opportunities to drive up sales within the gifting category, offering retailers an ideal chance to pick up some profit along the way.

While there will be many consumers that spring for a bouquet of flowers or box of chocolates, there day also presents an ideal social gathering opportunity making more premium end sharing items a worthwhile addition to the shelf.

Plenty of families will be getting together for the day on Sunday 30 March, or to make a quick visit at the very least, and for these opportunities, it never hurts to bring a packet of biscuits along for the day.

Fox’s Burton’s Companies (FBC) reckons it has a range perfectly suited to the Mother’s Day occasion and for those shoppers who are looking to provide an afternoon tea experience from the comfort of the home.

With this in mind, Robin Norton, head of category at FBC, has listed out five ways in which convenience stores can maximise sales in the lead up to Mother’s Day.

Stretch spend with premium portfolios

To really make the day feel special, a special kind of treat needs to be on the table. With this in mind, Norton has pushed retailers to stock up on more premium biscuit options for sharing out this month, such as the firm’s recently redesigned Thomas Fudge‘s Florentines or Fox’s Fabulous Cookies range.

Norton said: “Premium sweet biscuit brands lend themselves to gifting, more so than own label ‘everyday’ biscuits; they feel more special and have more expensive, indulgent recipes.

“According to Mintel, 39% of UK consumers now purchase biscuits as gifts, with Mother’s Day being one of those prime occasions.

“Consumers are looking for premium products with which to treat their loved ones, so it is important these products are well-stocked around Mother’s Day and on a clean and clear shelf, that allows the premium feel to come through.

“Premium brands like Thomas Fudge’s Florentines, Fox’s Chocolatey Rounds and Fox’s Cookies sell well around Mother’s Day.

“Thomas Fudge’s, which recently improved its recipe and packaging for an even more premium feel, achieved a 416% increase in sales over Mother’s Day last year.”

Strategic and enticing store layout

A well-laid out store makes all the difference when it comes to sales during seasonal events, as it can often help to build up overall basket spend.

Norton said retailers should consider how to make products pop further in stores and grab the attention of shoppers to help provide more link-up sales

He said: “Strategic store layouts can maximise sales; place impulse buys like sweet biscuits next to items shoppers commonly purchase for Mother’s Day, such as flowers and wine.

“In fact, 58% of consumers make unplanned purchases on Mother’s Day – 2023 National Retail Federation survey – so there’s a great opportunity to stretch spend during occasions like Mother’s Day.

“In our experience, matching primary colours with more premium, darker tones makes a display visually appealing; bright pink or yellow tulips placed next to dark coloured biscuit packaging can create a standout selection that will drive customers to your shelves.

“Most people buy more than one product for Mother’s Day – why not make it flowers and biscuits?”

Preparing to celebrate at home

Even with plenty of shoppers feeling the pinch this year, they still want to mark special occasions like Mother’s Day.

This will often mean taking the party back to the home, meaning less of an overall spend but still a prime opportunity to drive up sales within retail.

Norton said: “Convenience stores can be the go-to source of inspiration for busy sons and daughters looking to celebrate Mother’s Day at home. Confidence in the economy is still low and we expect most people to prioritise celebrations at gome again this year, rather than splashing out on a meal in a restaurant.

“Biscuit assortments or shortbread with tea and coffee can elevate a Sunday dinner or afternoon tea at home. FBC’s range is well-placed to drive sales around these special occasions.

“Fox’s sweet biscuit assortments are the number one selling assortments in the GB market, and Paterson’s is GB’s leading shortbread brand.”

Retail media

Last minute shoppers always rear their heads regardless of the seasonal event, so some extra media or theatre in a store to remind them of Mother’s Day at the end of the month will surely be appreciated.

And, there’s also always the chance these reminders could swiftly turn into a quick shopping trip for many which makes retail media ideal for convenience stores.

Norton said: “During high-traffic events like Mother’s Day, the use of retail media to drive shoppers to a specific shelf or area of the store is a powerful tool to boost sales.

“Working with your wholesalers and branded suppliers, retail media can boost the shopping experience, increasing the chance of shoppers engaging with your range.

“In the absence of any branded retail media, a simple table display or end-of-aisle shelf with an attractive, hand-written sign stating ‘Mother’s Day Sunday 30 March 2025’ can help inspire some urgency and let your staff – or children – flex their creativity.”

Cater to different demographics

Mothers can span all kinds of different generations, sometimes making it more of a challenge to appeal with the right kind of gift.

With limited shelf space, building a range that can cater to all generations can be a squeeze for retailers at best, or mean masses of leftover stock at worst.

With this in mind, Norton reckons assortment biscuit options, like with the Fox’s brand, will be able to cater to all age groups and provide families with an experience to share in together.

Norton said: “It’s not always at the forefront of our minds, but the age of mums spans from teens into three figures. It’s therefore important to offer a variety of biscuits to cater for all ages, and what better way to do that than through assortments?

“Whatever the age group, biscuit assortments provide a perfect treat to say thank you to ‘mum’ on Mother’s Day, or any other day of the year.

“There’s nothing quite like going round for a cuppa and spending quality time with the family, and biscuit assortments have something for everybody; be that dark chocolate for dad, milk chocolate for the kids, or plain biscuits for the purists in the family.

“Quality biscuits, like the Fox’s Classic range, are perfect for mum to relax in her own time, with an indulgent treat in front of the TV or with a book.”

Several months ago, a high school many states away invited me to discuss my young adult novel, “Made in Maine,” with its entire 11th grade. Eager to make the event meaningful for the students, I developed a curriculum around specific issues facing both adolescents and adults in the story: abandonment and adoption, self-worth, homophobia, socioeconomic disparity, belonging, the power of community and, ultimately, hope.

Imagine my surprise, then, when I received an email just days before my visit from the coordinator of the “Meet the Author” event: “I did want to be open and honest and let you know that some parents had concerns about the book’s alignment to their family values, so we let the reading be optional. Our English teacher felt that she would like you to spend your time with her 11th grade class discussing your journey on becoming an author.”

I scrambled to adjust my plan, my anticipation turning to dread. Had my words made this enterprise hugely awkward for the whole school community? Would the outraged parents form an angry gauntlet as I walked in? Would they keep their kids home to protest my mere presence? Was my car safe? Was I safe?

And what, exactly, was so offensive in my story? Was it the contemporary language, which is authentic in its cadence and vocabulary? Was it the use of the common adolescent phrase “Oh my God,” which technically takes the Lord’s name in vain? Or was it the existence of a minor character who is gay? And if the known conservative Christian element of the school population lodged the complaint, how did this challenge jibe with Jesus’ embracing the marginalized?

Given the frightening chaos of international policy and massive layoffs instigated by our country’s new administration, the issue of censorship and book banning has been shoved to the backburner. However, it is symptomatic of a seismic shift in our confidence to trust our own intellectual and moral instincts.

Teacher friends confide that they are now nervous about using works by authors such as Toni Morrison or James Baldwin, despite their having been in the curriculum for decades. With nearly every DEI initiative being slashed like it’s repellent kudzu, instructors face unprecedented pressure on their curricular choices. And who suffers? The students, who are far more sophisticated in their discernment than those who censor fully understand.

My novels intentionally do not shy away from tough topics. Life is challenging for many, and it is critical for people, especially adolescents, to find representation in literature. They need to know that they belong. I write not only to tell a compelling story, but also to give a voice to those whose voices have been silenced. I dedicate the novel to all who feel lonely or ashamed or unlovable because of how you look, where you live, whom you love or who you are.

In response to my concern about what had become a significant issue, the school coordinator assuaged my anxiety. This situation actually created much debate with the 11th grade class in a good way. The teacher did a great job of letting both sides speak. Most of the students wanted the “freedom” to read any book. It actually drove more kids to become interested in reading.

Despite my trepidation, the school visit went far better than I expected. The teachers and administrators were extremely warm and welcoming, and the students in attendance were enthusiastic and engaged. After my presentation, a few students lingered behind to whisper, “I really liked your book.” And yes, more than one had a parent who had objected.

When our children are young, it is necessary for us to guide and teach them. When our children are young adults, it is just as necessary for us to listen to them and, ultimately, to trust them. For if parents do not allow their young adult children to think critically and act deliberately, those teenagers become adults who lack self-confidence and self-trust and are easily swayed by the opinions of others.

Our hope, in this current climate of fear and upheaval, lies in our youth, who often are more accepting, thoughtful and open-minded than many adults.

Let us trust them.

 

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