14-05-2025
Memories of families and how they've been our foundation in life
Tomorrow is International Day of Families and we're remembering times spent with our nearest and dearest.
Teachers performed as the Addams Family at Workington Academy's Gruesome Gothic Day (Image: Tom Kay) The day is organised by the United Nations and aims to raise awareness about the economic, social, and demographic issues that affect families all around the world. It highlights how important families are in the fabric of international communities and the foundation of society.
A baby shower and swap shop event for families at Millom Library (Image: Newsquest) In recent years, the International Day of Families has commemorated all families, both traditional and non-traditional, to illustrate the fact that there is no blueprint for what a family is meant to be. A family is simply a group of people who love and support each other and are connected by a strong bond.
A Family Business Network and Cartmell Shepherd insight event at Stoneybeck Inn, Penrith (Image: Newsquest) In 1983, the Economic and Social Council of the UN highlighted to the secretary-general the importance of drawing attention to the problems and needs of families around the world. Two years later, the UN was asked to consider starting a global campaign aimed at governments and other organisations, as well as the public, to focus on the issue of 'Families in the development process'.
An unidentified family wedding group from the 1920s by a Carlisle photographer (Image: Newsquest) Eventually, in 1989, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution proclaiming that year as the International Year of the Family. This inspired the United Nations to establish the International Day of Families in 1993, and it has been observed every year since.
Owner's family Beverley-Jane Kelly, Nicole Watts, Natalia Kelly and Flory Kelly at the grand re-opening of Carpet Ways in Carlisle (Image: Newsquest) This year marks the 32nd celebration of International Day of Families.
Ten-year-old Harry Ward with one of the horses his family was selling at Wigton horse sales in 1982 Since the campaign began, many family-oriented policies and programmes have been organised by the UN, helping to achieve its goals of ending the demographic, social and economic problems that affect international families.
The playbarn for families at Greystone House Cafe and Farmshop in Stainton near Penrith (Image: Newsquest) Every year, a different theme is chosen to highlight some of the issues that are the focus of that particular year. This year's is 'Family-Oriented Policies for Sustainable Development: Towards the Second World Summit for Social Development'.
May Langston celebrated her 100th birthday with a party for family and friends at the Holmehurst Residential Care Home in Carlisle (Image: Newsquest)
It highlights the crucial role of family policies in achieving sustainable development, particularly in the context of the Second World Summit for Social Development in November 2025. The event will emphasise the importance of family policies in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
