Arts Council England supports new baby workshops in Bedford - with free places available for some parents

Spun Glass Theatre has announced the pilot of First - a ten week series of workshops for babies and their parents in Bedford.

First is a chance to meet other parents in a Covid safe environment, a calm and welcoming space for some much-needed connection, storytelling and friendship.

The ten-week creative workshop programme is every Monday from May 10, to July 19, at The Place Bedford.

The programme features six workshops from visiting artists from a range of art forms including percussion, circus and singing, alongside regular baby sensory and creative activities.

The Spun Glass Theatre classes at The Place Bedford, Bradgate Road, are from 10am till 12pm, and are £8 per session.

New parents have been extremely badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and resulting restrictions.

During lockdown, six in 10 parents had significant concerns about their mental health according to research by the Maternal Mental Health Alliance.

Thanks to support from Tesco Bags for Help and Arts Council England Spun Glass Theatre are able to welcome new parents and provide a unique creative experience.

Artistic Director Jessica Cheetham said: “We want to use our decade of experience creating safe creative spaces for artists and community groups to provide a fun and restorative place for new parents to come together.

"It’s been such a difficult year for everyone, but especially for those who have just had a baby with none of the usual support.

"First is a brand new programme which uses our artistic expertise to introduce parents and babies to a range of exciting creative experiences, as well as a place to share with other parents and tell the story of this incredible journey you go on with a new baby.”

The workshops are designed to support parents during the first year of parenthood, as well as providing a range of fun activities for you and your baby.

Free places are available for single parents, parents aged under 25 and those in receipt of Universal Credit.

To access a free place on First, email [email protected].