Welcome to our extended family

A mother-and-baby group has been nominated for a Pride In Oldham award for helping to create a happy family feel for all who attend.

WeeB’s Mums and Bairns Group hosts around 50 parents and children, providing a place to play, socialise and find support.

It offers a safe environment with CRB-checked staff, where young children can get involved in cooking, arts and crafts and very messy play, which is hugely enjoyed by parents and youngsters.

The sessions are an opportunity for parents and their children to make friends.

They promote a real sense of community, and parents feel confident to ask for and offer parenting advice.

Angela Sinclair, who started the group three years ago at the request of parents, said: “I’m really over the moon with the group getting a nomination — it’s fantastic.

“The group is just one big happy family. Everyone here enjoys themselves while they are here and everyone is welcome.”

Group members have been known to travel from as far as Ashton and Huddersfield to attend.

The group meet at Greenacres Community Centre for two hours every Monday and Wednesday morning, including school holidays.

Fantastic

The group was nominated by Andrea Scott, who worked as a volunteer until she left two years ago due to ill-health.

Andrea said: “I really do miss being there — everything the group do is absolutely fantastic.

“They hold masquerade parties and street parties for special events.

“Everyone dresses up and gets involved, even grandparents turn up.

“They have a real family spirit, no one feels out of place there.

“Parents sometimes struggle to ask for help, but everyone there can share experiences and it’s a really comfortable atmosphere.”