Help at hand for new parents

SUPPORT SESSIONS OFFERING HELP AND ACTIVITIES

A SERIES of events offering information, guidance and support for new and expectant parents is being hosted by the county council from today.

Sessions are to take place in Wigston, Braunstone Town, Barwell, Market Harborough, Melton and Coalville between now and July 7.

The 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.

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.”

Details of the events, and the numbers to call to book a place, are as follows:

Today, 1pm to 2.30pm at Wigston Magna Children and Family Wellbeing Centre, Long Street, on the site of All Saints Primary School. Call 0116 305 5282;

Tomorrow, 10am to 11.30am at Braunstone Town Children and

Family Wellbeing Centre, Kingsway North, on the site of The Winstanley School. Call 0116 305 4217;

Also tomorrow, 10am to 11.30am at Barwell Children and Family Wellbeing Centre (Barwell CofE Academy, High Street. Call 0116 305 5210;

Monday, June 27, 10am to noon at Market Harborough Children and Family Wellbeing Centre, Coventry Road. Call 0116 305 5320

Wednesday, June 29, 10am to noon at Greenhill Children and Family Wellbeing Centre, Waterworks Road, Coalville. 0116 305 5993;

Thursday, July 7, 10am to noon at The Edge, Dalby Road, Melton. 0116 305 1060.

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

“We encourage new or expectant parents to give one of the centres a call, book a session place and get some really valuable guidance.”

The council has also created a Baby’s First 1001 Days video to help parents and carers understand the significance of this period, and of the care a child receives during this time.

Further advice and information on the first 1,001 days can be found on a dedicated page:

Experts agree the care given during this period has more influence on a child’s future health than at any other time