How do you find out about M&T/M&B groups?

[beanstalk]

Just noticed some threads on going to mum and baby groups and wondered where are they? My DD is 10 months and I go to tumble tots and a music class with her but would love to find a group where I could drop in and have a coffee/chat with other mums. I have no idea where to find them...where do other people go? Sorry if that sounds like a stupid question but I have assumed she is too old for an NCT 'bumps and babes' session and the local church doesn't run anything (that isn't religious and I'm not!) and I don't know any other local sources.

Ask your Health Visitor - they often know.

Otherwise your local small ads magazine or local paper may run an ad.

Sometimes mother and baby groups take place in local schools and have local authority subsidies, so you could try your LEA or County Council for info.

You could also hang out at the local pre-school at pick-up time and ask the mothers of slightly older children whether their children went anywhere.

Or ask mothers at your local playground.

Have a look at the noticeboard in your local library too.

If you have a SureStart centre in your area check that out cos they do all sorts of different groups.

I would be at a loss without my Surestart centre.

same as everyone else said, plus our local authority has a list of everything in the area. Have a google. Where are you?

oh just looked, Surrey, can;t be much help 'fraid. Good luck

You need to get hold of a free copy of a magazine called Grapevine - library, Help Shop, gp surgery, council offices, small toy and baby shops, Morrisons etc usually have copies - which comes out 3 or 4 times a year. It lists all the local groups from M and T's to activity and music groups, places to go, local family services and facilities with contact numbers. Another one to look for is a new magazine called Mumbles. HV may have a list of ones specific to your area too.

Whereabouts are you ? Some mums in the East Surrey area with lo's are on this thread and may be ableot direct you somewhere. Personally when ds was that age I took him to local baby swimming group and Musictots and one M and T type group but that was 9 years ago and may not be local enough to you anwyay.

we get a mag called the fmaily noticeboard in our library which lists all this stuff. kids libraries often have story times for littlies, you could ask if yours has one and then ask the other mums if they know of any? our local brewsters pub does one in its soft play area aswell

usually your health visitor will give you a list or you can call and ask them. On the net there should be a list of local child related stuff on your town's webpage or related links. Or if you're more assertive than me, ask someone at the doctor's, one of your neighbours or anyone you see with a toddler!

Thanks for the tips! I'm in west Surrey if anyone knows of any - Weybridge/Walton/Cobham area! But will try the library and HV. Thanks!

The netmums website www.netmums.com/ has different sites for each area with lots of local info, including parent and toddler groups.

In your area, you NEED the Family Grapevine magazine. Everything child related is in there, including a "Toddler Timetable" with loads of toddler groups, arranged by day of the week.

The Mid Surrey version is online here: thegrapevine.co.uk/midsurrey.htm

Or you can pick it up in your local library.

There used to be a toddler group in Cobham parish church hall on a Wednesday morning. I think it was a straightforward social group, not anything specifically religious.

If you can make it that far, I run one in Leatherhead and you are welcome to email me! We are listed in the Grapevine, which is how I know it works.