The Salvation Army is encouraging parents, grandparents and guardians to register at their local parent and toddler group now as the autumn term gets underway.

By doing so, parents ensure their pre-school child can take part in fun activities and make lots of new friends in their area from the start of the new term.

Second only to Sunday Worship, Parent and Toddler Groups are the most attended activity in Salvation Army centres across Wales. There are 13 groups across Wales from Aberystwyth to Rhyl, Bargoed to Swansea. They provide infants with a safe space to let loose and play, while family members can share the many joys and challenges of caring for young children. Everyone is welcome and there is the emphasis is on fun.

The groups provide an opportunity for Officers such as Major Tracy Jackson, a former Captain of the Tenby Corps (between 2003 and 2006), who is now the Leader of the church in Williamstown in the south Wales valleys, to connect with parents and families in terms of their physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

Tracy says:

“The group provides a safe and friendly environment for parents to bring their children to. Toast, tea, juice and snacks are all provided with just a £1 entrance fee. The group has been well established within the community for many years, and the council recommend the group for parents looking for somewhere to go.

“The success is seen when people come back with grandchildren after previously bringing their children. We see what we provide as crucial in meeting the needs of families within our community.”

Amber Marchant, 35, from Tonypandy has taken her children to the Parent and Toddler group at The Salvation Army in nearby Williamstown and now volunteers there:

“My two young children Luke and Nova both came here, and they absolutely loved it. For just a pound, we can have a cup of tea and some toast. Mums and dads don't always get a chance to sit and relax, but here you can as the staff and other parents all keep their eye on the children while they are playing. It's just nice to have those friendships as sometimes it can be a bit lonely and isolating.”

Recent research highlighted enjoyment by the child as the top reason for attending. Making friends and their child learning good values were also important reasons for attending. Justin Bish, 52, is also from Tonypandy and his youngest has just joined the group:

“I have five children and two stepchildren. My two youngest boys come here. The youngest is just six weeks old and has just started while my other boy is two. It's a good place for them to integrate and engage with other children for the first time as they start to learn social skills. It gives them a great foundation for when they start school.”

Leah says that parents at the group have become good friends:

“I'm quite a shy person, so I found it quite daunting at first because I didn't know anyone. But I soon made friends as did my children. It’s so welcoming. The parents help at the end of the group with craft activities and tidying up, which makes it feel like a family.”

To locate your nearest Parent & Toddler Group visit The Salvation Army website and enter your postcode: https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/map-page.