Christmas fun at the double for twins group
THERE was a double dose of festive fun as a group for twins held its Christmas party.
Members of Stockport Twins and Multiples Group held their seasonal celebration at Woodbank Community Centre, in Offerton, on Sunday.
Around 160 siblings and parents attended enjoying soft play, crafts, bouncy castle, toys and a Santa’s grotto.
The support group was set up two years ago by Faye Farrlley, 31, who had twin boys, now aged four.
She found that having more than one child at once caused difficulties, which are often under appreciated.
Faye found taking her babies swimming particularly difficult and initially set up the group this purpose.
More recently it also started sensory sessions and the group’s full title is Stockport Twins and Multiples Swimming Group and Sensory Sessions.
Faye, from Woodley, said: “Regulations mean swimming has to be oneto-one and it meant I couldn’t take my children without family or a friend being free.
“As a mum of twins I know it can be difficult, and even worse for multiples, they can miss out on stuff, there can be developmental delays, accessibility issues and financial problems.
“It can be isolating and postnatal depression is higher. At our group everyone helps each other out.
“For example if a child starts crying and the parent isn’t there someone will pick them up.
“At other groups people are almost afraid to do that because of child safety reasons.”
The group, which has around 200 members, has a sensory session twice a month at Jump Space, on Hardman Street, central Stockport, and a swimming session twice a week at Grand Central pool, in the town centre.
There are several sets of triplets in Stockport and one set of quads but the group attracts people from as far away as Blackpool.
Faye said: “It is ridiculous that people have to come that far as there’s nothing closer, when I started the group I didn’t think it would be as popular as it’s become.
“Although it is hard with twins you get it all back twofold.
“You see your children grow up together and become best friends and have a bond that other siblings don’t.”
To find out more visit the group’s Facebook page or email stockporttwins@hotmail.com.