About Us

For many years parent and toddler groups have been running in Brent. Thousands of families and children have discovered this ‘treasure’ and formed lasting friendships. Not only have the children enjoyed learning and playing together, the parents have shared ideas, struggles and joys! Family life has been encouraged and enriched by having the opportunity for parents (sometimes carers) and children to meet together with others.

These groups have been run by faithful volunteers – oftentimes mums – who see the value in providing this service. Whole communities have been brought together in this way and bridges have been built within and beyond cultural and ethnic groups. Much of this work has gone unnoticed and the challenge of running these groups has sometimes been huge! The need for encouragement and support has been real.

In February 2009 a conference was held for all the parent and toddler group leaders in Brent in order to provide this support, encouragement and also training. During this time there emerged the idea of developing a website for everyone involved in this area as it was felt communication is key! As parent and toddler group leaders we needed somewhere we could go to for answers to questions we have, support and advice.

At the start of the conference we took part in an interactive map activity when we had to find and name all the toddler groups in Brent – almost 50! Many people knew the groups in their immediate area but had no idea there were so many groups around the borough (or so many gaps!) We then asked the question – how do our parents find out what facilities are in their local area? The Children and Families Information Service (Brent Council) provides much of this information but we felt it would be useful to have an interactive map whereby people can type in their postcode and all the groups in that area would be highlighted.

We know that parents are always wanting to find out what they can do with their children during the week, where they can go, sources of information etc. There are already excellent websites available - Netmums being an excellent example – but we felt a more personal site would add an extra dimension.

It was agreed that we would ask as many parents and toddlers what they would like to see on the website and a questionnaire was formed. In the first week of May 2009 ideas were gathered in toddler groups across the borough and the suggestions collated. A small working party of mums in Brent are presently putting this together – it is a work in progress. The first phase of the website will be launched during the 1st National Family Week 2009.

When sending out the questionnaire one group leader (a dad) said ‘Just a thank you with coming up with such a great idea. As a parent in the area I have found it hard to find a good source of this kind of information’.

If you would like to see something added to the site please do let us know – your voice matters! – Contact Us