Advice for new parents on their child’s vital first 1,001 days

INFORMATION, guidance and support are on offer for new and expectant parents.

Between now and July 7, support sessions are taking place in Wigston, Braunstone Town, Barwell, Market Harborough, Melton and Coalville.

The Leicestershire County Council-organised sessions will include activities aimed at developing babies’ brains during their crucial first 1,001 days of life.

Parents and carers will have the chance to ask questions of council experts and meet other families, with the aim of helping them feel comfortable and prepared for the vital role they will play in their child’s development. Events, and the numbers to call to book a place, are as follows:

■ Today (June 22), 10am-11.30am, Braunstone Town Children and Family Wellbeing Centre, Kingsway North, on the site of The Winstanley School. Phone 0116 305 4217;

■ Today, 10am-11.30am, Barwell Children and Family Wellbeing Centre (Barwell C of E Academy, High Street). Phone 0116 305 5210;

■ Monday, June, 27, 10am-noon, Market Harborough Children and Family Wellbeing Centre, Coventry Road (parking available). Phone 0116 305 5320.

■ Wednesday, June 29, 10am-noon, Greenhill Children and Family Wellbeing Centre, Waterworks Road, Coalville. Phone 0116 305 5993.

■ Thursday, July 7, 10am-noon, The Edge, Dalby Road, Melton (parking available). Phone 0116 305 1060.

Councillor Deborah Taylor, cabinet member for children and families, said: “Supporting new families with accessible information and opportunities to connect with others is an incredibly high priority for us, as we understand that becoming a parent can be daunting.

“The first 1,001 days of a child’s life is a time of particularly rapid growth and brain development. Leading child health experts agree that the care given during this period has more influence on a child’s future health and happiness than at any other time in their life.

“Events where you can meet others in a similar situation to you, who are going through some of the same experiences, can provide comfort.”