'Me' time for Nelson's young mums
Chilling out, making friends and learning new skills is what it's all about at the Nelson young mums group.
In partnership with Brierfield Walverden Children's Centre, ten young mums under the age of 24 have been meeting for an hour and a half each week while their children are cared for in the centre's crèche. Craft specialist, Kathleen Hill, leads the sessions, where the young women tackle activities such as decoupage, jewellery-making and floristry.
'It gives them a chance to be themselves, to be with other women and a little time away from their children. They're also learning skills that may point them in a new direction in the future,' says Louise Bleasdale, a Girlguiding UK Senior Development worker based in North West England.
Louise said the group, which only started in October, had been a real success. 'They are working together really well and we've got a lovely mixture of ages and heritage. Some of the ladies have limited English so the other mums help out with translation.'
Should any of the women want to take their interest in a craft further, Louise and Kathleen can help them find the right training course. The programme is build around the women's interests and also offers accredited training.
If you would like more information about SWITCH in the North West, you can contact us for more information at switch@girlguiding.org.uk .
