New to Edinburgh - Stockbridge / Comely Bank

[HouseOfConkers]

Hello,

This request may come across desperate/ weird or both but we moved into the area amidst the lockdown. My eldest son is 6 in a few weeks and due to start at Floras (whenever that may be) going into P2. My youngest is 16 months. Hubby works away at the moment so its just us 3!
I am not requesting to have a mass gathering but in the coming weeks when the lockdown eases I would love to meet other mums, with children at Floras in the same year would be amazing! Or mums with little ones to just say hello and recommend some groups to go to when everything 'goes back to normal.' Or just someone to walk around the park with and have a chat! I don't even care if this feels slightly desperate 😂 we are all struggling in these times and it would be so nice for some human interaction other than asking the kids what they want for lunch and cleaning an Everest of clothes each day. I understand this cant be immediate, I just hope at some point we can all start building a life here. Thank you for reading and I hope this message finds you well xxx

Hi @Houseofconkers my children are teens so no good to you, but as a starting point I would contact your local HV team they may have a list of virtual activities and groups that are currently going on in the area. At least it would be a start to making some social contact with a view to meeting in the future. I really feel for you having just moved here but I can promise you when things ease it's a lovely friendly area and you and your wee ones will make loads of friends.

Thank you @Alittlewornout , it means alot. I will definitely do as you said (what is HV by the way before I Google search.. ?) Is it like a community hub? I've seen a few online musical things for my youngest, its just my eldest I feel for now but I know we are all in the same boat. Thanks for reaching out xx

HV = Health visitor :)

If you are on facebook then put in Comely Bank or Floras etc in the search and see what groups come up. Join NextDoor if it's active in your area too.

Most of these groups on FB might be selling groups, but you might find the odd community group and some of those will have other groups posting on them as well.

I'm not in Edinburgh and mine are adult teenagers so no use to you for meeting up etc but there will be things you can join now just to give you some kind of virtual contact.

Our area has a lot of whatsApp groups as well, but you need to get a way in to get added in the first place :)

Here is one for parents of DC at Floras:

www.facebook.com/groups/FlorasParents/

One for community in Stockbridge:

www.facebook.com/groups/2480660032216029/

Thanks so much @WaxOnFeckOff, you helped me in my first days of home hunting, I remember the name. I've joined the odd fb group but as you say, mainly selling or promoting (which I dont mind of course but need a bit extra)

I'll look at the links now. Thanks so much for responding, means alot. Hope you are well in these weird times xx

I recognised your name and the scenario too, I'm glad you've managed to find a home and get settled (well sort of).

We are all well, both DH and I working (he's NHS I'm working at home). Boys are also at home and eating everything in sight. I'm actually getting to know some of my neighbours more since lockdown as we have our own street group now for chit chat etc. I know most of the longer term folks but there are quite a few newer people with younger kids that I don't really see much in real life.

I wish you all the best and hope you make some contacts soon. I think you'll need to be patient as I assume folks will initially want to use their meet up slots with people they already know and are missing.

Once things are up and running again Stockbridge Library does bookbugs, and the life care centre does some kids classes-monkey music and dancing and prob others (and a cheap coffee/sausage roll in the cafe) sure you'd meet other mums/kids there? It's a lovely area-the botanics and inverleith Park are great and loads of nice coffee shops etc

Sorry for the late response had a zoom book group last night but now cant sleep( I hate middle age!). Yes HV is health visitor. Wax has given you some fab links and @villamariavintrapp has also given some good suggestions. Book bugs I think may still be running virtually and I know libraries are offering activities for children but zip am not sure if these are done by virtual group or pre recorded if you know what I mean. I hear the head teacher at Floras is fab and very approachable so she also may be able to signpost you. I hope you are becoming settled in your new home and enjoying the lovely sunshine.

After lockdown is lifted - why not go to the playpark and hang out there - there's a duckpond too. Go to where other families will be and say hello. Inverleith Park is lovely, and your little boy can ride his bike/learn to ride his bike there.

I'm just around the corner at Canonmills with a 3 year old and a newborn. There used to be a wooden toys playgroup in Stockbridge which was lovely and as someone else has said Stockbridge Library as bookbug and the Lifecare Centre has some classes when things are normal!

Otherwise, the Botanics and Inverleith are lovely for the kids. My son adores the Botanics and likes to take nuts to feed the very tame squirrels.

If you are just wanting to meet some e for a natter round the park I'm more than happy to do so when things ease up slightly. Speaking to other adults is a luxury these days