One of the big gaps created by the pandemic has been provision for very young children. Early on all playgroups, baby groups and parent/toddler groups were closed down due to lockdown restrictions. They have since been very slow to reopen. This is due to several factors including, further restrictions, staffing and availability of suitable venues.
Feedback from our service users and surveys suggested that there is a real need for young children and their parents to get out of the house to socialise and spend time constructively.
Among our volunteers we have several childcare professionals and so
So we set to work, gathering volunteers, childcare professionals and resources to create a community-focused children’s group.
And now, just over 5 weeks later we can see it was well worth the effort! Each week we have been taking lots of bookings and hosting lots of happy children and grown-ups. Feedback from the adults present has been really encouraging, with one Dad saying the play sessions have ‘changed our world’ & others saying how lovely it is to be amongst other parents again.
The group is held on Wednesday mornings, 9:30 – 11:00am and is open to anyone with children under school age in their care. Gather and Grow is free of charge but booking is essential as places are limited due to Covid regulations. To book please call/text 07592042079. Adults must remain responsible for the children they bring to the session at all times.