Bump to one was born in August 2004. Jenny and I were both working with families as health care professionals, and were aware there was a need in the village for a group to support new mothers (this was long before children’s centres). And we both had capacity to offer some time voluntarily.
We wanted the group mainly to support first time mothers but dads and grandparents have also joined the group over the past 10 years. After stopping work many mums realise that they don’t know any other parents in the village; and having a baby can be a very lonely experience. Meeting every Monday in St Leonard’s church, and promoted by the local health visitors, the group soon filled and became a valued resource.
By the end of the first year there was need for another group for our baby graduates! So in 2005 Walkie Talkies was formed, provided by another group of volunteers from St Leonard’s and meeting in the church hall opposite.
Over the past 10 years we have had over 300 mums through the group. More importantly Jenny and I have had the privilege of building relationships with many mums who have arrived feeling very nervous and anxious and who a year later leave the group with a happy baby and a supportive group of friends to see the mother through the next stage of childhood.