Mayor of Broxtowe meets families at local children’s centre baby event
The Mayor of Broxtowe, Councillor Susan Bagshaw, met with local families during a visit to Footsteps Baby Event at Eastwood Children’s Centre on Tuesday 13 October.
The event was organised for local mums-to-be and families with babies aged up to one-years-old.
Councillor Bagshaw mingled with local families, learnt about local services and resources of interest to families, and presented certificates to the Perinatal Volunteer Befrienders to thank them for their continued commitment.
A sensory room; treasure baskets; and head, shoulder and hand massages were just some of the attractions on offer as well as baby sling demonstrations; car seat safety checks; and information on weaning, sleeping, and speech and language. Families also enjoyed an opportunity to meet their local health visitors, midwives, family nurses and volunteer befrienders, all based at the children’s centre.
Approximately 80 families attended the event including staff, children and families that use the centre, as well as the public.
Speaking afterwards, Councillor Bagshaw said:
“What a wonderful event! The centre received great praise from all the parents, carers and children that I spoke to. Clearly it is of great benefit to many families in our area.”
Eastwood Children’s Centre is run by Nottinghamshire Children and Families Partnership (NCFP); a partnership between Nottinghamshire Healthcare, Family Action and North Nottinghamshire College. It provides advice and support for families and delivers courses, groups and activities for families and children aged 0 – 5-years-old. Families are also able to borrow from the centre’s Toy Library.
The Footsteps Baby Event was organised by Jane Gostlow, Health and Family Support Worker, and Eastwood Children’s Centre colleagues.
Jane siad: “The day went better than I could have imagined; it took a lot of hard work to organise but when you see so many families enjoying it, it is all worthwhile. We have a great team within Broxtowe; brilliant partnerships and a shared passion for providing a positive service for local families. I hope the event has raised awareness of the services we provide; particularly the Footsteps Perinatal support available to families and the valued commitment of the Perinatal Befrienders.”
NCFP manages the Children’s Centres across the County, on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council. The County Council appointed the partnership in 2013 to manage its children’s centres following a year-long commissioning exercise.
