Parents Network Coordinator's report for 2008/9

Teddy Bears Picnic in Pelham Square, July 2008

Informal support

By Sara Bragg, NLCA Parents Network Coordinator

The Parents Network continues to be a source of informal support for some local parents - and we would love to hear from others.  It works partly by email, which we use to ask questions and share information (for instance, about childcare, babysitting and so on) as needed.

Meetings and events

Previously we met up at each other's houses, but since the group and some of the children have grown this year, we have looked for other, larger, venues. We have therefore been meeting at Little Dippers in Upper Gardner Street on one Wednesday and one Friday afternoon each month - thanks to Natasha Young, who also organised a fantastic Teddy Bears Picnic in Pelham Square in July 2008.

Thanks to Elly (another local parent who kindly took the initiative to organise it) there is also a Pilates class aimed specifically at parents, at a time that should be convenient for them: Wednesdays 8.15 - 9.15pm at Little Dippers.

We have also organised first aid classes aimed at parents and carers - the next one, on 'minor injuries', run by a trainer from St John's Ambulance, will be soon, on a Saturday afternoon in April or May. At about £20 for 2 hours, it is cheaper than some rival courses! So contact me via the email below if you would like to know more.

Parents also provided much of the energy behind the North Laine street parties that took place in September 2008, and we hope that the Parents Network plays a part in helping people feel connected and committed to their local area.

How to join

The Network is shaped by those who are involved in it, so contact me as below to add your name to the list, with a sentence about yourself and your interests for circulation.

parentsnetwork@nlcaonline.org.uk

[Previously published in the North Laine Runner, No 197, March/April 2009]