Families in Bicester can access free play and support at a new toddler group in the town.
Sanctuary Housing has provided £5,000 of funding to charity Home-Start to run the weekly ‘stay and play’ sessions.
Home-Start aims to get the best start in life for children, while supporting parents with any challenges they face.
The new toddler group welcomes families with young children (under-fives) and operates in a relaxed environment with support from trained staff and volunteers.
It takes place on Fridays - during term time only - between 9.30am and 11am in St Edburg’s Church Hall.
Home-Start is extending its services into Bicester following the success of a similar group in Banbury and more traditional home support provided to families in Banbury and Chipping Norton.
It is anticipated that the charity will increase to two sessions a week after six months if the pilot is successful.
Charlie Heritage, Sanctuary’s neighbourhood partnership manager, said: “This is an opportunity for our residents with young children to access free play, meet others and seek advice.”
Home-Start’s Jane Skelton added: “Our trained staff and volunteers are here to support families to build better lives for their children and help them on their ‘pre-school’ journey.
“I encourage parents who can sometimes feel a little bit isolated or overwhelmed to try our group – we make everyone feel very welcome and have some great activities for the children.”
To find out more about attending the sessions, contact Jane Skelton at Home-Start by emailing jane@home-startbanbury.org.uk or calling 01295 266358.
This project is part-funded by Sanctuary’s Community Investment Fund, supporting projects which benefit Sanctuary residents and their communities.
