Heads up Cheltenham ‘connecting with others’

Heads up Cheltenham’s focus for February is ‘connecting with others’ and as part of the theme, local families are invited to come along to ‘Our place’ parent support groups that run across the borough.

These are parent support groups which give parents a place to connect with other parents and families, build relationships, find out about resources available and support each other.

Families can have a drink and a snack, and participate in a craft activity as well as talk. Children that come along play in the same room as the parents so that the whole family have fun and enjoy time with others.

Mel Ferguson, Inspiring Families project officer, says: “These groups provide a sharing, supporting and nurturing place for our local families each week. They can share life and experiences together and chat, laugh and cry. ‘Our place’ groups also have the opportunity to find out about organisations that they can contact for support. We’d like to encourage our families to come along and get involved.

“To contact us or find out more information, view our Facebook page @InspiringFamilieschelt. Alternatively, if a school or centre would like to benefit from our resources please get in touch by email [email protected] ”.

Cllr Flo Clucas, cabinet member for healthy lifestyles said “Just talking with a friend or family member can often be the spark that encourages someone to get involved, feel a sense of relief, or get help. It is summed up in the old proverb: a trouble shared is a trouble halved.”

Lauren Wardman, Deputy Director for Engagement for 2gether, said: “We welcome any initiative that enables and encourages people to speak openly to each other, as well as finding out valuable information.

“It is vital that we keep talking to each other about how we are feeling and how we are, and also listen when other people tell us how they are. Even just thinking about our mental health and having these important conversations can make a big difference to our mental wellbeing.”

Find your nearest ‘Our place’ group:

Monday

The Ridge Academy is fortnightly (specialised school) 9.30am to 11.30am

Oakwoood School - starting in March. Monday morning from 9-11am

Tuesday

Cheltenham West End Partnership, Grove Street. 9.30am to 11.30am

Family Space, Oasis Centre, Hester’s Way 9.30am to 11.30am *no children

Wednesday

Hester’s Way Children's Centre, 9am to 11am

Thursday

Lakeside School, Up Hatherley from 9am to 10.30am *starting on 23 February

---

For media enquiries contact: Jemima Lawson, communications officer 01242 775 050 or [email protected]