Mother & Baby Groups - Opinions & Ideas Wanted Please

[Charlie:-)]

There really isnt that much in my area for mother & babies to solcialise so after uhming and ahhing for the past 2 months or so I have finally put the wheels in motion today to organise my own mother and baby group.

I have been round the local cafes to see uf they will let me use their upstairs space on their quietest day so that I can organise a group but at the same time get some trade for the cafe.

Theres one cafe which is ideal but the owner is on holiday until the end of the week so I dont have a definite "yes" on this but im feeling pretty positive about it.

So heres my vision for the group. The space is quite a large room with toilets and baby changing area at the top of the steps. There are some mediterranean style tables and chairs down both sides then at the bottom of the room underneath the windows theres some sofas that curve into both corners. I thought about using the floor space in front of the sofas for babies to play, so I would need lots of blankets to put on the floor and some toys (thought I would use freecycle for these) mummies can sit and natter on the sofas and then the tables and chairs can be used as and when they are needed like when someone orders lunch. Theres also a high chair so this can be used for older babies.

I thought it would be a good idea to just let babies play and mummies socialise and have a general chin wag. I could also organise for "speakers" to come once a month so for example one month I might get someone from the library to talk about the Bookstart Scheme, I could get a real nappy agent to spend 20 mins with us, I might ask a HV to do a talk on weaning.

What I want to know is what you think about my ideas and can you add your own ideas, what have you seen done in past groups and enjoyed/liked/thought worked well. Is there something obvious that I have missed and if this group was in your area would you come?

Your hoenst opinions woudl be much appreciated to help me to organise something that will appeal to lots of different mummies and not just me!

Thank you in advance for your reply.

 

[lauramumof2]

I think that its a great idea. You seem to have everything pretty much covered. I hope the owner says yes, it would definately drum up some business for them if they did.

 

[Happybunny]

Sounds like a great idea. You may be able to get a grant to help buy toys and blankets too - I know Awards for All give money for similar projects, although you need a bank account for the group and a governing body (three people, not related).

Good luck, sounds great!!

 

[chickadee1976]

Sounds like a plan. We did something similar when cam was little, we had a sponsored toddle to raise money for toys

 

[laracomps]

The one I go to is for under 18 month old babies only. All the parents rave about it as there then aren't toddlers running around boofing all the babies lol. Might be an idea?

A few weeks back they had someone from 'sing and sign' come and do a talk, so that could be an idea too.

I'd def come.

 

[mary70]

if you are running it hun you will need a crb check and public liability insurance

 

[Sherlock]

if you are running it hun you will need a crb check and public liability insurance

Yup, both those things sprung in to my mind the moment I read your ideas. One of those things you can't get away from these days, CRB and covering yourself in case of accident etc.

Also check about the owner of the premises. Might need to make sure s/he is covered or needs covering for it also. No idea about them tbh.

 

[Charlie:-)]

if you are running it hun you will need a crb check and public liability insurance

Yup, both those things sprung in to my mind the moment I read your ideas. One of those things you can't get away from these days, CRB and covering yourself in case of accident etc.

Also check about the owner of the premises. Might need to make sure s/he is covered or needs covering for it also. No idea about them tbh.

Thanks Mary & Sherlock it didnt even cross my mind that I might need a criminal records search. I checked it out today and it turns out that I dont neeed any checks whatsoever because I wont be solely responsible and looking after the children as teh parents/guardians will be there the whole time.

Laracomps, I think limiting the age range is a great idea as I would prefer it if the group was just babies only.

So im just waiting now for the cafe to get back to me, oh and I spoke to the HV today and she said she would promote the group for me

 

[ASD123456]

No idead I afraid but just wanted to say well done you for sorting it out. I hope it all goes well, certainly sounds like it will!