How do I find out about groups and classes?

[Sastra]

I'm currently on Maternity leave and already feeling a bit isolated so I thought I'd try and find out about classes and groups for when the baby is here. I havent done NCT or anything so I don't really know where to start looking? I'm booked into a hospital that's pot of area too, so my Maternity care/nhs antenal stuff is all out of area.

Any ideas where you search for local stuff?

Try contacting your local Family Information Service or Children's Centre, they should be able to help!

What's the family information service? I've never even heard of that? Is it a website or a physical place?

Thanks guys. RE NCT baby groups, how did you hear about them if you weren't a member? I've heard horrid things about them being cliquey, sound like that might not be everyone's experience!

Family Information is probably run by your local authority/council if you google family information service you'll find the NAFIS website which is their national association, it will list all of them and you'll be able to find the phone number of the one in your area or their website. They're not always available through libraries but you should be able to contact them direct and they will send you a list of the types of groups you're looking for in your area. You're not naive btw, I have insider knowledge pfff, doing work when I'm not at work eh!

Thanks so much

I've just seen there's a bumps and babies group a couple of miles away from me. I didn't realise there were non-antenatal course opportunities to meet people!

I took my bump to a sling meet recently every one was lovely!

I googled for breast feeding groups and baby groups in my area and found lots that way! Also google sure start centres nearby. Good luck

Once you have baby your HV should give you the info on all the groups in your are.
Mine gave me a booklet with jat groups are when im the surrounding area.

Definitely the Children's Centres..... just google to find your local ones, then go in and register your details and they will email you their timetable about what's on and the will have loads of leaflets and magazines with listings of clubs/groups etc ie Family magazine, Grapevine magazine, ABC and others.
Also, try Netmums on line. They have an excellent listings section of local stuff going on. ( much better than the Mumsnet one!)
I also agree that the Family Information service is good, and the library. Also, my local health visitor provided me with a list of groups. Also, have alook for local Facebook sites for the local NCT group page and any links from that page to other local group FB pages. There will be lots of stuff out there, sometimes it's just hard to find, that's all.