A non-profit organisation in Salford aimed at young parents is fighting to end the stigma faced by young mothers and fathers.
The group offers young parents a place where they feel understood as well as giving them a sense of belonging.
Youth worker Tom Cole runs the group at Broughton’s Beacon Centre as a way to reduce mental isolation and to help parents of “little people” enjoy life.
Salford has one of the few Young Parent Baby Groups in the region. The group financially relies on the weekly meet-ups, as well as funding from Salford City Council.
New parents commonly struggle with postpartum depression and many studies suggest that young mothers are four times more likely to fall victim to mental health issues. This group attempts to combats this and encourages mothers – and fathers – to make friends and not feel alone during parenthood at a young age.
The group pays a room fee of £20 every week for a regular Friday mid-afternoon slot.
Mr Cole explained: “I run the group every week so it can be dipped in and out of and it doesn’t matter if you miss a week.”
He understands life can get “in the way” and doesn’t want people to become “tied down.”
It is no longer undertaken in its old form of children centres, however the group managed to thrive in its newfound rented spaces as well as keeping both the parents and the children entertained with arts and crafts activities, paired with group nursery rhymes, singing and games.
Not only does it benefit the parents, but it is a supportive environment for children to mingle with others of similar age. It introduces them to the world of play and exposes caregivers to other ways to carry out this action. They learn from and grow with each other by being exposed to this environment. As the dad of three himself Tom explains this “creates opportunity for these parents to give their peers advice”.
More details can be found on Salford Family Partnership’s Facebook page, or by contacting Tom directly.
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