A baby and toddler group can often find itself as the heart of a local community, bringing families together for the first time to build connections, a sense of belonging, and friendships that can last a lifetime.   &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Many families share with us that their local toddler group is the first place they venture out to where they meet other families and little ones. The time spent in the group is key in helping to tackle the loneliness and feelings of overwhelm that a new parent can experience. We’ve also had older family members such as grandparents who are bringing their grandchildren to groups tell us that the intergenerational relationships that can flourish are invaluable to both younger and older generations alike. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
A toddler group is a safe place where achievements by the whole community can be widely shared and celebrated – building a better quality of life while creating opportunities for everyone. You may find that, as a toddler group leader, you become a trusted source of information and advice, so it can be a good idea to keep up-to-date contact details of other groups/support organisations in your local area as well as nationally. The information will not only benefit your families, but also the group as a whole!
Your local knowledge and expertise will be essential in putting together your directory but, to help get you started, we’ve listed some national support organisations. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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Family Corner
The family arm of the Early Years Alliance – with free information, support and advice on a wide range of topics, as well as our free online family learning sessions. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Infant and Toddler Forum
Help on a wide range of topics from meal planning, portion sizes, food refusal and breastfeeding. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
BBC Tiny Happy People  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Activities, tips and advice to support child development particularly children’s language skills. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
50 things to do before you’re 5  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Low cost/no cost activity ideas for families with young children. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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Finding childcare
Help for families to find childcare in their local area. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Help with paying for childcare
Information on support from the government to help to cover some of the costs of childcare for families.  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Better Health, healthier families  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Advice and information about healthy eating and exercise for all the family. There are ideas for family activities and games, recipe suggestions, mental wellbeing tips and an email update service to support families to make healthier choices. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Healthy Start  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
This scheme through the NHS means that, if someone is more than 10 weeks pregnant or has a child under four, they may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk.  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Breastfeeding support
Frequently asked questions and advice, along with details of the national breastfeeding helpline. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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Child Accident Prevention Trust
Safety advice and resources for families. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
British Red Cross
First aid advice for families with babies and young children. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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ERIC
Information about children’s bladder and bowel health along with advice around toilet training. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
The Lullaby Trust  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Safer sleep advice for families with babies and young children. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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PANDAS
Support for any parents who are affected by perinatal mental illness. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Hub of Hope  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
 A national database of mental health and wellbeing support in local areas. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Child Bereavement UK  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Support for families when a child is grieving or when a child passes away. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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Baby banks
For many families baby banks are a lifeline to help to cover the costs of a new baby.  There’s a link on the website to help to find local baby banks. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Help for families who are struggling to meet food and other household bills
The Trussell Trust support many of the local foodbanks that run across the country – on their website there is a ‘find a foodbank’ option, where they explain the steps that families need to take in order to access their services. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Families in need of help with bills, benefits and debts and some legal issues
On the main website there is information on a wide range of topics and also a link to find local offices. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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Most local authorities will have an information service for families that lists all the local groups, events and activities on it, in addition to national organisations. This is a great place to start and also to find out if you can add your group details to the listings.