Mum's the word on free sessons for toddlers

A parent and toddler group just for young parents is hoping to attract more mums, dads and children to the free weekly sessions.
Run by Teesdale YMCA and One Point Barnard Castle, the group welcomes all mums and dads aged 25 and under with their pre-school aged children.
YMCA’s youth and community development manager, Hannah Parratt, runs the session with One Point family support outreach worker Vicky Taylor.
Ms Parratt said: “The weekly group is here to offer support to young parents under 25. We do different activities and games, as well offering advice to the parents.
“We help them to get back into college as well as looking at how they are coping themselves with being a parent.
“At some parent groups, people feel they are looked down on because they are young. This fills that gap. They are welcome here.”
The sessions are held every Tuesday from 10am to 11.30am at Barnard Castle’s Outreach Centre, next to Charles Dickens Lodge.
As well as providing advice on how to get back into education or work, the sessions also offer support to young mums and dads about the day-to-day life of bringing up their child. Meanwhile, the children can build new friendships during playtime.
Ms Taylor said: “It is also an opportunity for young mums and dads to ask questions about their child’s development if they have got any concerns.” Chloe Allinson, 20, lives in Barnard Castle and attends the sessions with her two year-old son, Logan.
Ms Allinson said: “I’ve been coming since Logan was six months. It’s good because you get to talk to people your own age.”
Amy Middleton, from Cockfield, also attends with her two children, Timothy, 2, and eight-month-old George.
She said: “I have been to other play groups with older mums but here there is no judgement. We don’t judge here because we are all the same age and in the same position. It’s also good for the children.”
To find out more about the sessions contact Ms Parratt at Teesdale YMCA on 01833 695780.