Support network is rolled out to new parents in Strathspey
Being a new parent – especially a new one – is no stroll in the park.
But thanks to a new group Strathspey Buggy Club, it can now include a walk in the park.
Grantown resident Iona Laing, proud mum to three-month-old Lochie, has just launched the support group for parents and carers.
She said: “Basically all of these mother and baby classes that would run, have been put on hold because of coronavirus. Plus being in a relatively remote area, there were not that many in the beginning.
“So this was an idea – partly selfishly – to get to know other mothers locally, but also, I think it is so good for mums and dads with young children to be able to get together, share whinges, discuss life, bounce ideas and just have a bit of a social.
“The fact that the Scottish Government is allowing 15 mothers and their buggies to get together, it seemed mad not to take advantage of this.”
The new branch is a member of the well-established Scottish Buggy Club. The nearest group until now has been in Inverness. The first outing was taking place yesterday, with a walk in Grantown’s Anagach Woods.
Iona said the idea was to provide a wide range of outings for parents, carers and their babies and tots.
“It is all-inclusive. Every-one and anyone is welcome – mums, dads, carers, grannies and granddads and pregnant mums. We will go to a different place each time, and it might not always be buggies. Sometimes it might be a more adventurous outing.
“We will be playing it by ear. I have called the group Strathspey because I really also want to reach out to those in Nethy Bridge, Dulnain Bridge, Carrbridge, Cromdale and even Aviemore, and the intention is to have a bit of exercise and chat throughout the whole area.”
Anyone wanting more details can get in touch through the Scottish Buggy Club on Facebook.
