Baby and toddler group is back!

Belturbet Parent, Baby & Toddler group has opened its doors again for the autumn and winter season. The group, which was set up earlier in 2023, meets on Tuesday mornings from 10am-12pm in the Goods Store at Belturbet Railway Station, providing a much-needed space for children to develop social and play skills and gives parents the opportunity to meet regularly and exchange advice and for moral support.

“It’s just a good way to get out of the house and socialise,” said one parent.

All parents are welcome to join the group for as many sessions as suits them and each session costs €2 to contribute towards refreshments and group funds. Toys are also provided for the children so the children can play together.

Julie McAvinney of Happy Days Childcare Service explains: “The Parent & Toddler Group is vital to our community, it gives both parent and child the opportunity to interact with their peers, form new friends, and have the time to chat and laugh, in a warm environment. It’s a great form of community inclusion for parents and children.”

Sandy Holland of Cavan County Local Development said: “The value of local community groups and their contribution towards health and wellbeing is so important to acknowledge and this group is a good example of social inclusion in action.”

Also planned for the autumn is the ‘Buggie Brigade’ where parents and their babies and toddlers meet for a walk which finishes with a social chat in a local cafe.

The group has been established by Happy Days Childcare Services and Cavan County Local Development as part of its Social Inclusion programmes SICAP and Parenting Cavan. Funding has been received from Cavan County Childcare and CYPSC.

Contact Julie at Happy Days Childcare Services on 049 9524863 or Sandy at Cavan County Local Development on 087-6664108.