Two Wirral mums are setting up a playdate café to help tackle loneliness among new parents. Crumbs and Cuddles on Pensby Road, Heswall is intended to fill the gap in key services, which the owners claim have dwindled in recent years.
Community space for parents and children
Sarah Douglas and Sara Tindall have launched the Community Interest Company (CIC) that they say will provide a space for parents and grandparents to chat and share advice while kids play. The café, which will open on October 19, is also expected to offer services including baby weighing and breastfeeding classes.
Ms Tindall, who left the NHS in 2021 after serving as a midwife for 20 years, told the ECHO: "I didn't realise until becoming a parent myself, how isolating it can be.
"My passion is to get the community together and reduce isolation. It's sad to see the depletion of services. If we can help to solve the problem that will be great."
Filling a gap in services
Ms Douglas, whose children are now in their twenties, says the services offered to support parents have been reduced since her children were young. The pair told the ECHO the Pensby Road site which the CIC will be operating from was empty for more than four years prior to them taking it on.
The café will operate on a bookings-only basis, with the only other rule being, you must be accompanied by a child.
NHS response
A Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said: "Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust provides health visiting support through home visits, scheduled developmental reviews and community drop-in sessions across Wirral and is part of the 0-19+ Service, recently recommissioned by Wirral Council.
"Our team of health visitors, community health nurses and nursery nurses supports families from pregnancy through to early childhood, offering advice on child development, feeding, breastfeeding, emotional wellbeing, parenting, sleep, behaviour and child safety, as well as referrals to specialist services where needed.
"A regular programme of drop-in clinics is available throughout the week at locations across Wirral, including Birkenhead, Eastham, West Kirby, Bromborough, Woodchurch and Wallasey, ensuring families have multiple opportunities to access support within their local community. In addition, home visits and individual support are available where appropriate, providing a comprehensive service offer across the borough.
"Community spaces, like this café, play an important role in bringing families together, helping parents and carers to connect with others. It is encouraging to see local organisations and communities working together in ways that can help reduce isolation, build confidence and support the wellbeing of parents, carers and young children. As part of our established health visiting and early years support offer across Wirral, we welcome opportunities to engage with families through a range of community settings and partnerships, helping to ensure they can access timely advice, support and services when they need them.
"Parents and carers who are concerned about their baby's weight can call our team on 0151 514 0219 or visit our website to view the baby clinic timetable and find their nearest clinic.
"Earlier this year, the 0-19+ Service Wirral and Family Nurse Partnership, working in partnership with Family Hubs, achieved UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative Gold accreditation, the highest level of recognition available. This award recognises excellence in supporting infant feeding, parent-infant relationships and the health and wellbeing of babies, parents and families."
