Adjusting to parenthood begins during pregnancy and continues throughout a child’s life. Learning to be a parent is a slow process and fraught with many demands. Not only do you have to change to cope with the physical demands of a baby, but also the emotional demands. As a couple or single parent, your life will never quite be the same again. Nevertheless, becoming a parent is one of the most joyous events you will ever experience.

As a parent life will be busy, often tiring, leaving little relaxation time.

As a couple, relationships may become strained and it is vital that you allow time for interactions with one another to enable change and growth as a family.
Meeting other adults in a similar situation allows exchange of ideas and sharing of like-minded situations in which others have learnt to adapt also.

Below you will find information on and links to a variety of local parenthood groups across Bedfordshire, and you may also like to take a look at our antenatal classes page. 

Children’s centres

A children’s centre is a place, or group of places, where local families with young children can go and enjoy facilities and receive support that they need. Sometimes support may be offered in the home.

The facilities and activities are designed especially for parents expecting a baby, or those with a child under 5 years old.

The staff are fully trained to deal with individual needs a child might have, and they work with many partners to ensure they can support families in whatever area they need.

The main aim of children’s centres is to improve outcomes for all young children, so that they are happy, healthy and ready for school. They provide help and support to young children and families as soon as there is a need, helping to prevent any problems developing.

Find your local children’s centre below:

Bedford Borough

Central Bedfordshire

What support can children’s centres offer me?

Children’s centres have a range of different support groups and activities for you and your child to get involved with:

• Baby feeding support
• Information about early education and childcare
• Family learning activities
• Parenting courses
• Family support

Here is our Bedford Borough timetable:https://oneymca.org/ecp-timetable/

More Life family weight management

More Life is an organisation designed to give your family the support, tools and skills to help develop a healthy and active lifestyle, through small, realistic changes which make a big difference. Their services are free, and you can sign up here.

Libraries

Local libraries have a wealth of resources and often offer a range of parenthood groups and events.

Find your local library below:
Bedford Borough 
Central Bedfordshire