New Multiples Club in Ipswich
A group of Ipswich parents recently opened a club for families and carers of multiples.
Ipswich Multiples Club has been created from a What’s App group during the pandemic as a support line for parents and carers with multiples after local groups had to close.
With many children being born during lockdown it has never been more important for children and families to have the opportunity to socialise, to help with child development and parental mental health. Being a parent of multiples is a unique experience relying on each other for support, friendship and laughter.
Nicola McCarthy says: "Jo Wilder and Shannon Steele decided that a base was needed in Ipswich to create a weekly club, where families and carers can meet up, share experiences and advice, be a support to each other and have some fun. It has taken so time to find the correct venue at the correct cost as we wanted to keep the weekly cost low for families to attend. It needed to have parking nearby, be accessible for people and large enough to hold plenty of children. We found a local Methodist church hall, which meet all those requirements. We started fundraising to help with initial costs. Via a Just Giving page we reached our first target and set a date for the first session."
The Club is registered with the Twins Trust, a charity that supports parents with multiples. With their support and resources, Ipswich Multiples Club were able to create everything they needed to ensure the safe and effective running of the club.
Ipswich Multiples Club had their first session on the 11th November and it was a great success with 18 families (37 children!) attending.
The club will continue to run each week on a Friday from 09.30-11.30. It costs £3 per family, and includes an art and craft session, plenty of time to play and interact, snack for the children and the all-important hot drink for the adults.
To find out more visit their Facebook Page or www.toddleabout.co.uk/company/ipswich-multiples-club
Image credit: Ipswich Multiples Club