A soothing and nurturing baby massage programme in Motherwell for local parents/carers and their little ones was so popular that it has led to the creation of a new playgroup.
The interactive six-week baby massage programme, developed by NHS Lanarkshire’s Health Improvement team, helped parents and carers learn the benefits of baby massage, techniques for safe and effective massages, as well as key health messages as part of the Jenny and the Bear second-hand smoke awareness initiative.
It had such a positive impact on the families involved that the Health Improvement team worked together with parents and Forgewood Community Centre staff to establish a new pre-school group for local families; in the centre.
Packed full of fun activities, the playgroup will run every Tuesday from 22 August, and is free to attend for Motherwell families.
Megan McNeil, Health Improvement Practitioner, NHS Lanarkshire, said: “Following the success of our Jenny and the Bear massage programme, we worked together with parents and community centre staff to pilot a new free pre-schoolers group for local families in June. It has been wonderful to see the group be so well-received by local families.
“Families can attend for free, it’s a great opportunity for parents and children to come together and have fun with others.
“We are so pleased to see more free opportunities for local families in Motherwell and are thrilled that Forgewood Community Centre will continue to run the group in August.”
One of the parents who helped to set up the new playgroup commented: “Both myself and the kids have enjoyed attending the playgroup when it was tested out in June. It’s been great watching all the kids interact and learn from each other. The playgroup is certainly what has been needed within the Forgewood area.”
Laura MacDonald, Community Development Assistant, Forgewood Community Centre, added: “We have known for some time that parents and caregivers in Forgewood missed groups where they could take their young children due to the pandemic impacting this. We were really keen to start an activity for them following the success of the baby massage held by the local health improvement team in the Centre.
“We very quickly organised a pilot scheme in June and were thrilled with how it went. It was fantastic to hear young voices playing and laughing in the community centre again. We are delighted to keep the group going after the summer holidays. We know this is a much needed activity in the Forgewood area and we can’t wait to welcome along parents/carers and their little ones in August.”
Local Motherwell families can attend the playgroup every Tuesday from 22 August, from 10am-12pm at Forgewood Community Centre. There is no need to book, families with children pre-school age can attend. For more information please contact the centre 01698 236 311 or email community@forgewoodcoop.org.uk.
