Calling Young Parents

Young parents get a wide range of support from Radstock Children’s Centre
Young parents are being encouraged to attend a weekly “one stop shop” session run by Bath & North East Somerset Council at Radstock Children’s Centre.

The group meets every Wednesday between 1pm and 2.30pm to benefit from a wide range of services at the centre, which is next to Radstock Library.

The 2012 sessions begin on Wednesday 4 January and are open to any parent aged 21 or under with a child under five, from Midsomer Norton, Peasedown, Paulton, Radstock and surrounding villages.

Louise Belson, who runs the group as the Council’s lead outreach worker, said: “It’s a very informal group aimed specifically at young parents. We started in September and currently have around half a dozen parents who come along regularly with their children, but we would love to welcome more in the New Year.

“Parents who do come along tell us that they really benefit from meeting other parents who are the same age; it gives them a chance to have a chat and share their experiences and can also help them feel less isolated. The children love coming along to meet and play with other children and it really boosts their confidence.”

The children can get involved in activities such as painting and drawing and finish every session with singing and story time. A healthy snack is also provided for the children.

For parents looking for a bit of extra support, the group also offers advice on childcare, health, training, getting back into work, housing, benefits and much more. There are regular visitors to the group including midwives, health visitors, Connexions and Somer Housing staff as well as Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Family Information Service. There will also be an antenatal programme starting in the New Year run in partnership with the National Childbirth Trust.

Councillor Nathan Hartley (Lib-Dem, Peasedown), Deputy Leader of Council and Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children and Youth, said: “Bath & North East Somerset Council is committed to improving the life chances of children and young people. Children’s centre services are an important way in which we can support families and help ensure that children get a good early start in life.”

Radstock Children’s Centre is open Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 4.30pm, and Friday, 8.30am to 4pm. There are lots of other groups and services run from the centre including: Job Centre Plus clinics, drop in baby clinic, Citizens’ Advice Bureau drop in, breastfeeding support group and stay and play sessions.

Radstock is one of 11 children’s centres across Bath and North East Somerset. There are also centres at Bath, Chew Valley, Keynsham, Midsomer Norton, Paulton and Peasedown St John.

To find out more about children’s centre services in Radstock, Paulton, Peasedown and Midsomer Norton contact Heidi Limbert on 01225 396660 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Or for information on wider support for children and families available across the area please contact Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Family Information Service on 0800 0731214, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/fis

Children’s centres are a partnership between Bath & North East Somerset Council, the community and many other local professional and voluntary organisations including local schools and nurseries, the NHS, Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Job Centre Plus and voluntary organisations including First Steps, Barnardo’s and Southside.