New parents in the Winchelsea area came together last week for a ‘walk and talk’ organised by the Hastings and Rother branch of the National Childbirth Trust (NCT).
The regular organised walk and talks provide an opportunity for new parents to meet with their babies and toddlers for a socially distanced walk, chat, and to support each other.
Ros Vinall, NCT breastfeeding counsellor and Hastings and Rother walk and talk volunteer said: “We started the walks last December and they’ve been much appreciated by new parents. Rye doesn’t have many groups, so we are extending the welcome to local parents to take advantage of these opportunities to meet informally”.
Starting at the Winchelsea Beach Café and heading to Rye, the walkers are encouraged to bring picnics, and get to know each other over refreshments at the start and end of the walk.
Chloe Wright, a new parent who was on the walk said: “It’s so lovely to meet and talk to other mums. I’m new to the area and it’s been difficult to meet people. It’s lovely to finally get out and make new friends.”
Another local mum, Clare Richardson added: “The NCT walks are great to meet other mums from my area with similar age children. It’s been difficult to meet others due to Covid and this is a great way to get out and do just that.”
The NCT Hastings and Rother branch currently organise regular Walk and Talks in Winchelsea, Hastings, Bexhill and Battle. Ros Vinall said: “It’s very important that new parents get these opportunities, especially as the pandemic has left many feeling isolated, anxious, and uncertain.
“We’d love to hear from more mums and dads who are willing to volunteer to organise a walk in their area.”
NCT Hastings and Rother can be contacted through their Facebook page.
Image Credits: NCT .