EXPECTANT parents and families with young children are being invited to a special Baby Shower event in Ashton-under-Lyne, offering free advice, practical demonstrations and the chance to meet local support services.
Tameside Council is hosting the event at North Family Hub, Trafalgar Square, on Thursday, November 19, from 4.30pm to 7.30pm.
It is the second in a series of four Baby Showers organised across the borough to help parents prepare for the arrival of a baby and navigate the early stages of family life.
Health visitors, healthcare professionals and community organisations will be on hand to answer questions and offer guidance.
Topics will include breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact, early bonding and mental wellbeing during pregnancy and after birth.
There will also be interactive demonstrations, giving parents the chance to practise bathing, changing and settling a baby using dolls.
Families attending can enjoy giveaways and will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win a £50 Boots voucher.
The events have already received positive feedback, with one new mum describing a previous Baby Shower as “wonderful”, adding: “We had so much information.”
Councillor Teresa Smith, Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Children and Families, said: “Welcoming a new baby is an exciting time, but it can also feel overwhelming, which is why it’s so important that families know where they can turn for support.
“Our Baby Showers bring together a range of local services in one place, helping parents-to-be access trusted advice, build confidence and make connections with other families.
“Through our family hubs, we’re committed to giving every child the best start in life and ensuring parents feel supported every step of the way.”
Two further events are planned for the new year, with East Family Hub in Stalybridge hosting a Baby Shower on January 21, followed by South Family Hub in Hyde on March 17.
Families can drop into the Ashton event at any point between 4.30pm and 7.30pm.
For more information about Tameside’s Family Hubs, visit www.tameside.gov.uk/family-hubs.