Parent-and-baby group needs more help to continue

Faustina Yang, who set up Hampton Tiddlers 10 years ago, fears the group could be forced to close due to lack of volunteers

A volunteer-run group supporting new parents and babies and toddlers has warned it could close due to a shortage of volunteers.

Hampton Tiddlers, set up in Peterborough in 2014 after children’s centres were axed in budget cuts, with 7,000 children attending the sessions over the years.

Faustina Yang, who founded the group, organised a 10th anniversary celebration on Saturday, attended by the city's mayor, Deputy Lord Lieutenant Karen Daber and the local community.

She thanked volunteers for their efforts but warned that if more did not come forward over the summer, the group may have to close.

The sessions are held every Monday

The group which received a Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, met twice a week before Covid, but has cut down to weekly term-time sessions.

They are held at Notcutts Garden Centre every Monday and cost £1 per family.

On a good week, 25 families attend, taking part in activities such as music and sensory play.

'A good run'

Ms Yang said while there was a demand for the group, the cost-of-living crisis had impacted volunteer numbers.

“I started this group as a new mum with help from my initial volunteers Caroline, Amie, Naomi, Rebecca, Louise, Michelle after my daughter was born 10 years ago," she said.

“Not everyone can afford to send their child to the nursery, so groups like this offer that much-needed early development and social skills to the babies and it’s a good opportunity for new mums and dads to get out and socialise.”

She said they had a good 10 years but to sustain, they need to continuously recruit volunteers.

“We can’t afford paid co-ordinators and we don’t have enough volunteers," she said.

"Many people have had to take up jobs due to rising costs of living post-Covid. If we can’t find enough by September, we might not be able to continue.”

The group is inviting volunteers to help make tea, tidy up and put on activities on a weekly or monthly basis.