Finding other parents locally
Social media, Toddler groups, Parent groups, Local support
Connect with others
The Summer Holidays are again quite tricky in 2021 because not all holidays are possible and not all holiday clubs are running. Whether you are juggling working from home or not, the weeks over July and August can be a challenge to fill with activities to keep the kids from getting restless!
Groups and Social media
Social media is becoming more useful to find groups to link with locally. NCT (National Childcare Trust) and Antenatal Classes are a good way of meeting up with parents when you are pregnant. Baby and toddler groups are in most local areas in Cambridge, in churches, community centres or sports centres.
There are also local meet up groups that are either drop in or have to be booked in advance.
Another way to meet other parents or help your kids find peers, are local activities such as local football teams or Lego groups.
If you have a child with disabilities, additional needs then there is information on local groups and networks.
Social Media Networks
01.
Cambridge with Kids Facebook Page
This is our Facebook page, and the go to page for local activities and events. This is updated regularly and has over 6,000 followers.
02.
Local Area Groups
Milton - https://www.facebook.com/groups/MiltonVillage/ Cherry Hinton - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1944746199111700 Cambourne - https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cambourne
03.
Local Parent Groups
Cambridge NCT Group (National Childbirth Trust) - https://www.facebook.com/NCTCambridge Parents of under 5s Facebook Group (private need go ask to join) - https://www.facebook.com/groups/cambridgemumsofunder5s/ Parents in Cambridge - https://www.facebook.com/groups/482817328464307 Bilingual Parents in Cambridge - https://www.facebook.com/cam.bilingualgroupsX
04.
Social Groups and Meet Up
Meet Up is a hub for local groups to advertise their meets, so it can be quite varied. Check their website - https://www.meetup.com/cities/gb/c3/cambridge/ Cambridge Living - https://www.facebook.com/groups/AngliaRuskinCambridge Cambridge Social - https://www.facebook.com/groups/camsocial
05.
Cambridge Buying and Selling
Cambridge for Sale Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/cambridgethingsforsale https://www.facebook.com/groups/1735930493292610
Local Activities for Babies and Toddlers
Wimpole Home Farm, Estate and Gardens
This has rare breed animals and is a nice day out with the kids. See the pigs, goats, Shire horses, Shetland ponies, donkeys, rabbits, geese,
Activity Toddler Groups
Here is a round-up of some of the popular toddler groups in Cambridge. There are many more however, so feel free to contact if you’d
Bilingual Language Toddler Groups
Facebook Group and Website for Bilingual Toddler Groups in Cambridge https://www.facebook.com/cam.bilingualgroups/ They have a good list of the available language groups in the Cambridge area.
Museum of Zoology
This is a great museum, and one to the favourites. See the Finback Whale skeleton which now hangs above the entrance. There is plenty to
Fitzwilliam Museum
A fantastic place to take the kids. The suits of armour, for horses and their knights, impres- sive staircase and artefacts from around the world
Support for parenting
Local Children and Community Centres can have parent support groups. There are also national advice lines and local one to one or groups. If you have postnatal depression or are struggling in any way then your GP or Health Visitor can help. There is a good list of local support on offer in the Cambridgeshire Council Website - click the title for the link. More information also below.
Barnardo’s – www.barnardos.org.uk
Mumsnet – www.mumsnet.com A forum for mothers and parents.
Parenting Support Centre – www.parenting.co.uk
If you are concerned or suspect abuse, contact the Cambridgeshire Child Protection Team on 0345 045 5203 be- tween 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday. Click this link.
Cambridge Domestic Violence Action Group cambridgedomesticviolence.weebly.com
National Domestic Violence Helpline
Tel: (Freephone 24hr) 0808 2000 247
Cambridge Women’s Aid – Tel: 01223 460 947 www.womensaid.org.uk Information, support.
Child and Family Centres
Child and Family Centres are open, with some activities still limited due to coronavirus restrictions.
Find out more on your local Child and Family Centre Facebook page or call to see what activities and groups are available. All the centres and contact details are available in the Cambridgeshire Online Directory.
The local Cambridge Child and Family Centres offer groups, events, activities, courses and support for families with children aged 0-19. It provides activities, groups, events and courses in libraries, churches and other community locations across Cambridgeshire:
- Support groups run by family workers
- Information and advice about education and childcare
- Employment, training and benefits advice
- Drop-in play sessions
- Child development and special needs
- Parenting courses
- A meeting place for parents, carers and childminders
- Parent led sessions and groups
- Dads’ groups
- Health services such as midwives and health visitor clinics
Support for kids
Childline and the NSPCC have a good website and advice line for children directly. If you feel that your child may have a difficulty or delayed development, talk with your GP.
Childline
www.childline.org.uk
Tel: 0800 1111
Confidential information and advice for young people.
NSPCC – National Society for the Protection of Children – www.nspcc.org.uk
Tel: 0808 800 5000
Help and advice if you are worried about a child.
Teenagers
Centre 33 – Offers a friendly and non-judgemental drop-in service for young people as well as other services including relationships and stress. https://centre33.org.uk
UCAS Progress – www.ucasprogress.com A website for 14-19 year olds to find courses and training in Cambridgeshire.
Youthoria – www.youthoria.org This informative website is packed with information for teenagers 11-19 in Cambridgeshire.