L A S C L Y AG M
THE
TM
Leek, Cheadle, Blythe Bridge, Werrington, Caverswall, Alton and surrounding Moorland areas
daily diaries
Pre-School and Out-of-School activities
News
Updates on local businesses and activity groups
Out and about
Tips to help you to to get outside The Manifold Track
focus on
Applying for Primary Schools PANDAS Foundation Pre and Post Natal Depression Support
Parental Responsibility Family law expert, Jo Johnson, explains what this means
mindfulness Jude Brown describes the benefits of being mindful
Winter 2016
Issue 4
For Local Parents, Carers & Kids
FREE
local business directory
Kokoro
Reiki Treatments & Training Meditation & Mindfulness Laughter Therapy
Karen McCabe 07415 536958 Find us on FaceBook Kokoro Reiki
Karenmc.kokoro@gmail.com
Danny Shaw
Drum lessons for children and adults China Street, Fenton 07970 764460
Order Christmas vouchers for Holistic and beauty treatments. Spend £100 and receive a free half hour treatment. Contact me for information. Find us on FaceBook Shaw Holistic Therapies
Lesson Price £15 Christmas vouchers available
Petstay A loving and caring alternative to kennels
Staffordshire Branch janeprince@petstay.net 01538 300225 07816 865410 www.petstay.net
with Deborah Gallone
nurtureinmind
PRICE £5 FOR FIRST CHILD + ADULT, ADDITIONAL CHILDREN £3 Jude Brown 07813879623 Workshops are available for parents, children and staff as part of CPD programme or PSHCE curriculum.
www.nurtureinmind.co.uk
Meet Deborah
Deborah is a certified Dru Yoga teacher with over 8 years experience of teaching yoga in schools, encouraging children to build confidence and creativity through the practice of yoga. For more information & bookings call: 07709 625273 or email: yogakidzst13@gmail.com
@ FOXLOWE ART CENTRE, LEEK AGE 2+ WITH ADULT STARTS: MON 9TH JANUARY 2017 10.30am - 11.30am PLEASE BRING A WATER BOTTLE AND A YOGA MAT
Yoga Kidz ST13@yogakidzst13
page welcome header CONTENTS
Hello! I really can not believe how quickly this year has flown by. And what a strange year it’s been! Brexit, Donald Trump... What will 2017 bring? I can’t wait for Christmas. My daughter is three and it’s all so magical at this age. I have got a ton of glitter in preparation for making cards and other lovely Christmassy crafts. Mulled wine, mince pies, cosy nights in watching Elf... Ooh! I love it! So, welcome to our last issue of 2016. We’ve got news about local businesses. Please have a look and support them as much as you can. For small businesses, Christmas can be a make or break time of the year so please support them in any way that you can. We went out and about to the Manifold Trail and I’ve included ideas that might help you to get the family outside. You may have already completed your application for a primary school place, but if not, have a look at our article on page 15 which guides you through the process. This issue, we’ve been really lucky to have two contributors. Jo Johnson explains the meaning of parental responsibility and Jude Brown explains what mindfulness is and how it can benefit you and your family. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year! I look forward to writing our next issue in Spring 2017. Natalie
Diary Pages
Pre-School Diary Out-of-School Diary
Page 8 Page 10
Ideas to get your family outside Manifold Trail
Page 6 Page 7
Updates on local businesses
Page 4
Jo Johnson explains parental responsibility Jude Brown explains mindfulness Applying for a primary school place PANDAS - Pre & Post Natal Depression Advice and Support
Page 12 Page 12 Page 13
Out & About News
Features
Page 14
front cover Would you like to see your art work on our front cover? We are looking for original art work from children aged up to 11 to appear on the cover of our spring issue of The Scallywag magazine. Please send your entries to Natalie Brown, 1 The Green, Caverswall, ST11 9EQ or email them to natalie@thescallywag.co.uk. Please make your picture as big as this magazine. Don’t fold or staple it. Give it a name and include your name and age. Thank you!
CONTact Contact us us To discuss and book advertising space, ideas for future articles or just to let us know what you think of the magazine, please get in touch by any of the following means: 0 1 The Green, Caverswall, Stoke on Trent, Staffs ST11 9EQ 8 natalie@thescallywag.co.uk 07773 559634 R www.thescallywag.co.uk/leek/ The Scallywag Magazine - Leek and Cheadle @Scallywagleek
Whilst every care is taken to ensure the information contained in this magazine is true, accurate and fair, the publisher cannot take any responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions, or for events arising from the use of this information. Any statements or opinions given in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher and no products and services mentioned in articles or adverts are officially endorsed by them. © 2016 All content of this magazine is copyright. No part of it may be reproduced by any means or in any form without written permission from the publisher.
news local libraries
E
arlier this year, Staffordshire County Council announced their decision to reshape the county’s library services. Although main town libraries, such as Cheadle and Leek, would remain the same, smaller libraries would need to look for community support.
Two libraries which have been affected by this in the Moorlands are Werrington and Blythe Bridge. Both libraries have become community managed. Blythe Bridge Library Centre is now being run by a neighbourhood-based community organisation, the ‘Care & Fun’ charity which already maintains the pre-school nursery at William Amory Primary School. Now, the people that work at the library are all volunteers. If you would like to volunteer, drop in to the library to enquire. The organisation are thinking of initiatives to encourage local people to visit their local library. There are ‘stay and play’ sessions running for children three times a week, adult education classes and displays of local artists’ work for sale. In Werrington, the new Wellbeing Community Centre is being run by the Werrington Community Volunteers Group and will offer a range of facilities and events for local residents, from support groups for parents to events for older people. For more information about community managed libraries, visit http://www.staffordshire.gov. uk/communitylibraries.
helen o’grady drama academy Our new academic year welcomes students of all ages/abilities to join our academy for a FREE trial lesson. Helen O’Grady is an international drama academy, which ensures the confidence building, self esteem, and social skills of children as young as 5. With our 100% destination pass rate of LAMDA exams, annual theatre productions and behind the scenes film development, our academy is guaranteed to be the best place for your child. So come and be a part of our family. Allow your child to make friends, find their voice and develop through drama. Our teachers are all qualified with masters degrees and West End/Broadway experiences. Our lessons are both affordable and FUN! Call our office now on – 01889802376 or email staffs@helenogrady.co.uk to ensure you take full advantage of our free trial lessons!
M
elissa, a Mini Me Yoga Ambassador and baby massage instructor, is pleased to be able to offer her services to parents in Staffordshire. Baby massage offers many benefits, such as enhancing attachment and bonding, promoting better sleep, relieving wind, colic and constipation, boosting the immune system and developing muscle tone and coordination. Her classes can be delivered 1:1, in groups or in the community. She currently runs her baby massage class at the Beresford Hub in Leek on Mondays, 12.45. Melissa also runs children’s yoga classes. She explains that in an age where childhood diabetes, food intolerance and
hyperactive syndromes are on the rise, her games and activities bring much needed fun time where children can create and express themselves. These also run on Mondays at the Beresford Hub from 2 - 3. Are you a parent or educator that knows a child who would benefit from meditation? Melissa offers workshops where parents and educators can learn simple techniques to introduce meditation to children of all ages.
Melissa: 07715 304 842 minimeyogawithmelissa Twitter: @3babyms
melissasmassageandmovement.com info@melissasmassageandmovement. com
news Annual pass now available
P
opular farm park, Beaver Hall, will now be offering a family annual pass for just £20. The pass admits up to 2 adults and 3 children, giving them unlimited entry to the farm park and the nature trail. A great idea for a Christmas gift! Beaver Hall Farm Park was set up to give children an insight into the countryside environment. The farm has a variety of animals many of which you can feed and stroke. Animals include sheep, goats, pigs, horses, ducks, chickens and small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs and even meerkats! Beaver Hall is open all year round so that visitors can experience the fresh air and tranquility of the Staffordshire countryside whatever the season. There is plenty for children to do and see, including the nature trail and outdoor play area. There are also special events held throughout the year, so do find them on Facebook so that you don’t miss out on the fun! When the children have finished exploring, there is a lovely, warm cafe serving homemade food and cakes. Muddy boots are welcome!
dog boarding services in staffordshire moorlands
P
etStay’s Staffordshire branch was launched in January 2016 by Jane Prince from Onecote. PetStay are a longestablished national company providing home boarding services for dogs, and the Staffordshire branch covers the whole ST postcode area.
could you become a carer? Carers must be at home during the day, have a secure garden, children aged over 7 and be experienced dog lovers. It’s a fun and rewarding way to earn a little extra income. Retired people or stay at home parents make perfect carers. And we’re always looking for carers to cover school holidays and weekends!
PetStay place customers’ dogs with one of their fully vetted, insured and licensed carers who take the dogs into their own home while the owners are on holiday. Owners (and dogs) meet the carer before they book and when it’s holiday time the dog moves in with all their familiar things – bed, toys, food, bowls – to make their stay as comfortable as possible. They only take up to three dogs from the same household at any one time.
Tel: 01538 300225 Mob: 07816 865410 janeprince@petstay.net www.petstay.net
Muddy puddles
W
getting outside
e all know that getting outside is good for us. But sometimes it can be difficult to fit time outdoors into our busy daily lives. Or maybe you struggle to persuade your children to get out of the house! Here are some practical tips to get the family out and about. It doesn’t have to be physical! Try to make it about something that your child enjoys doing. Do they enjoy reading? Go out with a camera to get a photograph of them reading in unusual places. Do they enjoy drawing? Try drawing or painting landscapes and wildlife pictures. If they are interested in photography, you could have a competition to capture the best nature inspired photograph.
Family Challenge
Why not challenge yourselves, as a family, to try something new. This might be joining a park run, training for a sponsored event in order to raise money for charity or trying something different such as canoeing. By taking on a challenge together, you will not only inspire each other but you could add a sense of friendly competition which will motivate everyone to try their best. In May 2017, Fun4Autism are holding a colour dash run at Brough Park, Leek which includes a family run.
Geocaching
Geocaches are hidden all over the world by fellow geocachers. A geocacher will go to a location, hide a small waterproof box containing a few varied bits and pieces (usually of little value), a logbook and a pen or pencil. Using their GPS receiver, the geocacher records the coordinates of their geocache and returns home to log
its existence on a website. After seeing the location on a website, another geocacher can go in search of it and when they find it, enter a log in the logbook. For more information, visit http://www. gagb.org.uk/
Apps
Use technology to your advantage. There are lots of apps that monitor your activity, capture stats and measure distances, pace and personal bests. There are also games and apps such as Pokemon Go, Wild Time, Star Chart and Zombie Run!
Make it into a game
Try a Muddy Puddles spotting sheet and add an element of competition.
out and about
The manifold track Old Station Car Park, Earlsway, Waterhouses, ST10 3EG By Natalie Brown
T
he manifold track follows the route of the old Leek and Manifold Light Railway through the Manifold Valley from Waterhouses to Hulmes End. The Light Railway was used from 1904 to 1934, serving the tiny farming communities. Now, the old railway track has been lifted and the route surfaced making it ideal for walking or cycling. The total distance is 8 ½ miles and is car free for all but 2 miles. You can hire bikes from two centres at Waterhouses: Manifold Valley Cycle Hire (01538 308609) or Brown End Farm (01538 308313). We have bikes but we don’t have a bike rack so we decided to hire bikes from the Manifold Valley Cycle Hire. We hired two bikes and the trailer for the children. It cost us £40 to rent them for the whole day which included car parking. If you take your own bikes or you decide to walk along the trail,
Paddling at Wetton Mill
it is £4.50 to park your car which contributes to the maintenance of the track and the local area. There are toilets and a little shop here. So, off we went! The track is fairly even making it ideal for those who haven’t ridden for a while. It would also make a lovely walk for those with pushchairs or wheelchairs as the surface is even. There are a few picnic spots and ice cream vans on the way. We gave ourselves plenty of time so that we could stop regularly. There is lots to see as the trail follows the River Hamps through the valley. For a while, the trail goes nowhere near any roads so it is wonderfully quiet and peaceful. After about five miles, we came to a small path where you can walk up to Thor’s Cave. It is a very steep walk up to the cave but the views are worth it. The cave itself is very interesting; it dates back for at least 50,000 years and is the former home to Stone Age dwellers. Thor’s Cave is thought to be named after the Viking God of Thunder, possibly because of the sounds made by strong winds echoing through the mouth of the cave. We continued on to Wetton Mill where there is a lovely place to stop for a picnic and a paddle in the river. There is a pub
Admiring Thor’s Cave here which seemed quite busy. From here, you need to cycle along the road, but it is very quiet and the cars were going slowly. The Swainsley Tunnel was the next exciting point – it is long and quite dark. The children enjoyed shouting loudly and listening to their echo. After that there is another mile of traffic free track to Hulmes End where there is another café, toilets and a visitors’ centre. We had to rush to get back as it took us nearly four hours to get to Hulmes End with all of the stopping that we did. All in all, it took us about five and a half hours. I felt quite tired but not exhausted, despite pulling the trailer with both the children in it, because the track is even and level. It is a great day out for children. I would recommend cycling to Wetton Mill and then cycling back so that you miss out the parts where there are cars. And make sure that you explore Thor’s cave on the way back so that you know if you have enough energy for the climb!
SATURDAY
FRIDAY
THURSDAY
WEDNESDAY
TUESDAY
MONDAY
Pre-school diary
Baby Massage 9:30 - 11.30 0 - Crawling Beresford Family Hub, Novi Lane, Leek, ST13 6NR Melissa 07715 304842
Yoga Kidz 10.30 - 11.30 Age 2+ Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek Deborah 07709 625273 £5 1st child + adult, additional children £3
Little Leeks Messy Play 13.30 - 14.30 All Saints’ Church Hall Compton, Leek, ST13 5PT 07813538090 £5
Children’s Yoga 14.00 - 15.00 Beresford Family Hub, Novi Lane, Leek, ST13 6NR Melissa 07715 304842
Stay & Play 09.30 - 11.30 Blythe Bridge Library, Uttoxeter Road, Blythe Bridge, ST11 9JR 01782 296400 £1 for up to 2 children. Refreshments provided for children.
Parent & Toddler Group 09.30 - 11.30 Salvation Army, Salisbury Street, Leek 01538 384211
Little Doves Baby & Toddler Group 09.30 - 11.30 The Bungalow Hub in Waterhouses, Waterfall Lane ST10 3HT Victoria 07968 275170 £2 per family inc. refreshments
Baby Bounce & Rhyme 11.00 - 11.30 (Term-time only) 0 - 4 years Leek Library, Nicholson Institute, Stockwell Street, Leek, ST13 6DW 01538 483209 Free
Baby Bounce & Rhyme 14.00 - 14.30 (Term-time only) 0 - 4 years Leek Library, Nicholson Institute, Stockwell Street, Leek, ST13 6DW 01538 483209 Free
Baby Sensory 10.00 - 11.00 7 - 13 months Cheadle Cricket Club, Tean Road, Cheadle Laura 07887 744876 Taster sessions available
Tiny Bee People 10.00 - 11.30 Friends Meeting House, Overton Bank, Leek Book through the FacBook page by searching for HalfBees £5 per child
Pre-school Children’s Craft Workshops 10.30 - 12.00 Cabbage Rose, 37 St Edward St, Leek, ST13 5DJ 07772 484268 £4 includes 2 crafts, juice, snack and tea/coffee
Baby Sensory 11.30 - 12.30 0 - 6 months Cheadle Cricket Club, Tean Road, Cheadle Laura 07887 744876 Taster sessions available
Baby Sensory 13.00 - 14.00 0 - 13 months Cheadle Cricket Club, Tean Road, Cheadle Laura 07887 744876 Taster sessions available
Parent & Toddler Group 14.00 - 15.15 (Term-time only) 18 months + The Valley Primary School, Oakamoor, ST10 3DQ 01538 702355 £2 per family
Pre-scho Worksho 13.00 - 1 Cabbage St, Leek, 07772 48 £4 includ snack an
Baby Bounce & Rhyme 9.30 - 10.00 (Term-time only) 0 - 4 years Werrington Library, Ash Bank Road, Werrington, ST9 0JS 01782 302706 Free
Little Saints Toddler Group 09.30 - 11.30 (Term-time only) All Saints’ Church Parish Room, Compton, Leek, ST13 5PT Felicity 07528 914226 50p per family
Beaver Hall Toddler Group 10.00 - 12.00 Beaver Hall Farm Park, Bradnop, Nr Leek, ST13 7EZ Anne 01538 304433 £5.00 includes entry for 2 toddlers and free hot drink
Endon Tots 10.00 - 12.00 0 - 4 years Endon Village Hall, Station Rd, ST9 9DR £2 (under 6 months 50p)
Baby Bo 10.30 - 1 0 - 4 yea Blythe B Road, B 01782 2 Free
Pre-school Children’s Craft Workshops 10.30 - 12.00 Cabbage Rose, 37 St Edward St, Leek, ST13 5DJ 07772 484268 £4 includes 2 crafts, juice, snack and tea/coffee
Movement, Music and Sensory Play Session 10.45 - 11.30 0 - 18 months St Luke’s Church, Fountain St, Leek, ST13 6JS £3 per child To start in September
Baby Se 11.30 - 1 0 - 6 mo St Pauls Lane, ST Laura 07 Taster se
Post Natal Group 11.15 - 12.15 Cheadle Fire Station Community Room, Ashbourne Road, Cheadle, ST10 1HG Contact the Health Centre on 01538 487 570
Greatwo Babies) 13.00 - 1 Greatwo Road, U Call Jem
Soccer Lions Stay & Play 09.30 - 10.15 Walking - 3 years + Beresford Family Hub, Novi Lane, Leek, ST13 6NR Netty 07747 867745 £1.50 per child
Movement, Music and Sensory Play Session 09.45 - 10.30 18 months - 4 years St Luke’s Church, Fountain St, Leek, ST13 6JS £3 per child
Soccer Lions Play Together 9:30 - 11.30 0 - 5 years Beresford Family Hub, Novi Lane, Leek, ST13 6NR Netty 07747 867745 £1.50 per family Parent & Toddler Swimming 10.00 - 10.30 South Moorlands Leisure Centre, Allen St, Cheadle, ST10 1HJ 01538 753 883
Mum & Tots Group 10.00 - 12.00 (Term-time only) 0 - 4 years Werrington Library, Ash Bank Road, Werrington, ST9 0JS 01782 302706 Free Baby Sensory 10.00 - 11.00 7 - 13 months St Pauls Church Centre, Novi Lane, ST13 6NR Laura 07887 744876 Taster sessions available
FAB Mums (Friendly About Breastfeeding) 9.30 - 11.00 Cheadle Fire Station Community Room, Ashbourne Road, Cheadle, ST10 1HG Health Visitor available
Stay & Play 09.30 - 11.00 Blythe Bridge Library, Uttoxeter Road, Blythe Bridge, ST11 9JR 01782 296400 £1 for up to 2 children. Refreshments provided for children.
NCT Bumps & Babes and TAMBA Twins and Multiples 9.30 - 11.30 Endon Scout Hut, Station Rd, Endon, ST9 9DR Debbie Jackson 07729 616522 £2 / 50p for siblings
M.A.M. (Mum Art Makers) 09.30 - 11.30 Greatwood Hall, Hollington Road, Upper Tean 07928 556 552 £5 for craft activity £1 per child in the creche
Pre-school Children’s Craft Workshops 10.30 - 12.00 Cabbage Rose, 37 St Edward St, Leek, ST13 5DJ 07772 484268 £4 includes 2 crafts, juice, snack and tea/coffee
Baby Massage & Yoga Boogie Beats 12.00 - 15.00 11.15 - 11.45 Werrington Library, Ash Bank Leaps & Bounds, Cross St Mill, Road, Werrington, ST9 0JS Leek, ST13 6BL Contact Kate on 0300 124 Caroline 07912441254 0099 Ext. 1338
Mums & Tots Group 10.00 - 11.45 Leek Baptist Church, Rosebank St, Leek
Beaver Hall Toddler Group 10.00 - 12.00 Beaver Hall Farm Park, Bradnop, Nr Leek, ST13 7EZ Anne 01538 304433 £5.00 includes entry for 2 toddlers and free hot drink Soccer Lions Play Together 13.00 - 14.30 0 - 5 years Cheddleton Community Centre, Hollow Lane, ST13 7HP Netty 07747 867745 £1.50 per child
Tinkerbell Tots 09.00 - 11.00 Blackshaw Moor 1st School, Nr Leek 01298 83123
Stay & Play 9.15 - 11.15 (Term-time only) Rudyard Play Group Community Building, All Saints’ 09.30 - 11.45 First School, Cheadle Road, The Methodist Chapel Hall, Leek Lake Road, Rudard Suzanne 01538 483241 Janine Dow £2 includes drinks & snacks 07877129362
Little Treasures Toddler Group 10.00 - 11.30 Pentecostal Church, West St, Leek 01538 384152
Soccer Lions 9.30 - 10.15 Walking - 3 years + Cheadle Primary Children’s Learning Centre, The Avenue, Cheadle, ST10 1EG Netty 07747 867745 £1.50 per child
Play Cafe 9.30 - 11.30 0 - 5 years Cheddleton Community Cntr, Hollow Lane, ST13 7HP www.playcafe.org.uk 07830 382219 £2.50
Soccer Lions Play Together 10.30 - 12.00 0 - 5 years Cheadle Primary Children’s Learning Centre, The Avenue, Cheadle, ST10 1EG Netty 07747 867745 £1.50 per child
Puddle Ducks Swimming 11.00 - 13.00 0 - 5 years Waterhouses CofE Community School, Waterfall Lane, ST10 3HY Cate 01332 605729 derbyshire@puddleducks.com
Stay & Play 09.30 - 11.30 Blythe Bridge Library, Uttoxeter Road, Blythe Bridge, ST11 9JR 01782 296400 Free Drinks machine available
Toddler Group 10.00 - 11.30 Trinity Church, Russell St, Leek
Beaver Hall Toddler Group 10.00 - 12.00 Beaver Hall Farm Park, Bradnop, Nr Leek, ST13 7EZ Anne 01538 304433 £5.00 includes entry for 2 toddlers and free hot drink
My BabyTime Social Morning Musical Tots 11.00 - 11.30 (Term-time only) 10.00 - 12.00 0 - 4 years 16 weeks - 4 years Leek Library, Nicholson Endon Village Hall, Station Institute, Stockwell Street, Street, ST9 9DR Leek, ST13 6DW 07917 015565 01538 483209 £5 per family Free
Come Dance With Me Pre-School Ballet Class 09.00 - 09.30 From Walking Vivienne Shelley Dance Studio, 28 Bank Street, Cheadle, ST10 1NT 01538 754414 Saturday Craft Club 10.45 - 11.45 3 - 10 years (under 8s must be accompanied by an adult) Leek Library, Stockwell Street, Leek, ST13 6DW Fiona Fowler 01538 483211 50p per child
Soccer Lions 09.00 - 09.45 16 - 29 months (approx.) Beresford Family Hub, Novi Lane, Leek, ST13 6NR Netty 07747 867745 £2.50
Krafty Kids Craft Workshops 10.30 - 12.30 Cabbage Rose, 37 St Edward St, Leek, ST13 5DJ 07772 484268
Pre-School Dance Class 09.30 - 10.00 3 years + Vivienne Shelley Dance Studio, 28 Bank Street, Cheadle, ST10 1NT 01538 754414
Soccer Lions 09.45 - 10.30 40 - 60 months (approx.) Beresford Family Hub, Novi Lane, Leek, ST13 6NR Netty 07747 867745 £2.50
Breast Babies 10.00 - 11.30 (Term-time only) Werrington Library, Ash Bank Road, Werrington, ST9 0JS 01782 302706
Soccer Lions 10.30 - 11.15 22 - 39 months (approx.) Beresford Family Hub, Novi Lane, Leek, ST13 6NR Netty 07747 867745 £2.50
Dance with Me Mother & Toddler Dance Class 14.15 - 14.45 From Walking Vivienne Shelley Dance Studio, 28 Bank Street, Cheadle, ST10 1NT 01538 754414 Seedlings Baby & Toddler Group 10.00 - 11.30 (Term-time only) St Lukes Church Centre, Fountain St, Leek Jane 01538 387144 Free Entry, 50p donation to cover refreshments
Buzzabout Stay & Play 13.00 - 14.30 2 - 5 years Beresford Family Hub, Novi Lane, Leek, ST13 6NR £2.50 per family + 50p for siblings
Beaver 10.00 Beaver Bradno Anne 0 £5.00 in toddler
T
he heart of The Scallywag are the indispensible diary pages.
The centre spread is the Pre-school Diary. Shaded background is for drop-in sessions. White background is for activities where booking is essential. All sessions will require an adult to remain with the child at all times. Most activities charge a small fee. Please phone ahead before setting out as details can change at any time. Finally the second spread shows the many different activities available for school age children, from Chess to Dancing, Karate to Brass bands! Again, please use the contact details provided to check details before setting out.
If you are involved in any group aimed at pre-school or primary school age children and would like to see it listed in these pages, please get in touch. All listings in these pages are FREE. If you have any new or up-dated information that should be included here, please let us know – contact details are on page 2.
ool Children’s Craft ops 14.30 e Rose, 37 St Edward , ST13 5DJ 84268 des 2 crafts, juice, nd tea/coffee
ounce & Rhyme 11.00 (Term-time only) ars Bridge Library, Uttoxeter Blythe Bridge, ST11 9JR 296400
Healthy Tots 10.30 - 12.00 Werrington Library, Ash Bank Road, Werrington, ST9 0JS Kate & Nicky 0300 124 0099 Information on a wide range of topics for new parents
Apple Pips & Seedlings 13.00 - 15.00 Alton Village Hall, Hurstons Ln, Alton, ST10 4AP £2 (£1 for babies) includes refreshments
Baby Clinic 13.30 - 15.30 Cheadle Health Centre, Well Street, ST10 1EY 01538 487570 Weigh-in and discuss minor parental concerns with Health Visitor
ensory 12.30 onths s Church Centre, Novi T13 6NR 7887 744876 essions available StoryFinders Baby & Toddler Group 13.30 - 15.30 (Term-time only) 0 - 4 years St Johns Church, Belle Vue, Leek, ST13 8EP Sheila 01538 373793 £1 (50p siblings)
Baby Bounce & Rhyme 14.00 - 14.30 (Term-time only) 0 - 4 years Cheadle Library, 15A-17 High Street, Cheadle, ST10 1AA 01538 483864 Free
r Hall Toddler Group - 12.00 r Hall Farm Park, op, Nr Leek, ST13 7EZ 01538 304433 ncludes entry for 2 rs and free hot drink
FAB Cafe 10.30 - 12.00 Werrington Library, Ash Bank Road, Werrington, ST9 0JS Kate & Nicky 0300 124 0099 Support for parents to be or those already breastfeeding
Baby Bounce & Rhyme 11.00 - 11.30 (Term-time only) 0 - 4 years Leek Library, Nicholson Institute, Stockwell Street, Leek, ST13 6DW 01538 483207 Free
SUNDAY
ood BBs (Breastfed ) 14.30 ood Hall, Hollington Upper Tean mma on 07754442903
Breastfeeding Support Group 12.00 - 13.30 Beresford Family Hub, Novi Lane, Leek, ST13 6NR
Natural Parenting & Sling Group 13.00 - 15.00 3rd Thursday of every month Endon Scout Hut, Station Rd, Endon, ST9 9DR
Little Doves Baby & Toddler Group 13.00 - 15.00 The Bungalow Hub in Waterhouses, Waterfall Lane ST10 3HT Victoria 07968 275170 £2 per family inc. refreshments
Don’t forget: if it has a white background, it means that booking is essential. A shaded background indicates that it is a drop-in session. Please check the details before setting out as sometimes the timings of activities change.
SATURDAY
FRIDAY
THURSDAY
WEDNESDAY
TUESDAY
MONDAY
out of school diary
10
Beginners Street Dance 16.00 - 17.00 Vivienne Shelley Dance Studio, 28 Bank Street, Cheadle, ST10 1NT 01538 754414 5 yrs +
Trampolining Course 16.30 - 17.30 South Moorlands Leisure Centre, Allen St, Cheadle, ST10 1HJ. 01538 753 883 £22.50 for 6 weeks
Rainbows 17.00 - 18.00 (Term-time only) St Pauls Church Hall, Novi Lane, Leek 5 - 7 yrs
Trampolining Course 17.30 - 18.30 South Moorlands Leisure Centre, Allen St, Cheadle, ST10 1HJ. 01538 753 883 £22.50 for 6 weeks
2nd Leek Beavers 17.45 - 19.00 The Olde Grammar School, Clerk Bank, ST13 5HB 6 - 8 yrs 2ndLeek@moorlandsscouts. org
Leek Kempo Ju-jitsu 18.00 - 19.00 Brough Park Leisure Centre, Leek, ST13 6AT 5 yrs+ Gene 07792 013962
Young P Singing 18.00 - 1 Leek 1s Leek, 7 - 13 yr Claire 07
Brownies 18.15 - 19.30 (Term-time only) St Pauls Church Hall, Novi Lane, Leek 7 - 10 yrs
Trampolining Course 18.30 - 19.30 South Moorlands Leisure Centre, Allen St, Cheadle, ST10 1HJ. 01538 753 883 £22.50 for 6 weeks
18th Blythe Bridge Cubs 18.30 - 20.00 The Scout Hut, Off the Avenue, Blythe Bridge 8 - 10 yrs blythebridge@3towns.org.uk
3rd Cheadle Scouts 19.00 - 21.00 The Monkhouse School Room, Prince George St, ST10 1HX 10.5 - 14 yrs 3rdCheadle@ moorlandsscouts.org
5th Leek Cubs 19.00 - 20.30 HQ, Fowlchurch Rd, Leek, ST13 6AT 8 - 10.5 yrs 5thLeek@moorlandsscouts.org
2nd Leek Cubs 19.15 - 20.30 The Olde Grammar School, Clerk Bank, ST13 5HB 8 - 10.5 yrs 2ndLeek@moorlandsscouts. org
18th Bly 20.00 - 2 The Sco Blythe B 10 - 14 y blythebr
Sway Cheerleading 17.00 - 17.45 Brough Park Leisure Centre, Leek, ST13 6AT 01538 373 603 Booking Essential
2nd Cheadle Beavers 17.00 - 18.00 Cheadle Methodist Hall, Cheadle, ST10 1EE 6 - 8 yrs 2ndCheadle@ moorlandsscouts.org
Musical Theatre 17.30 - 19.45 Vivienne Shelley Dance Studio, 28 Bank Street, Cheadle, ST10 1NT 01538 754414
Little Pumas Taekwon-Do 18.00 - 18.30 South Moorlands Leisure Centre, Allen St, Cheadle, ST10 1HJ. Stacey 07966 706791 4 - 6 yrs
Leek Town U11 Girls Football 18.00 - 19.30 Westwood High, Westwood Park, Leek, ST13 8NP 01538 399278
St John Ambulance Badgers 18.00 - 19.00 (Term-time only) St John Ambulance Training Centre, Ashbourne Rd, Cheadle, ST10 1HF 7 - 10 yrs tracey.alkins@sja.org.uk
Warham 18.00 - 2 Blythe B Road, B 01782 2 8+ yrs F and brin
New Century Taekwon-Do 18.30 - 19.30 South Moorlands Leisure Centre, Allen St, Cheadle, ST10 1HJ. Stacey 07966 706791
5th Leek Beavers 18.30 - 19.30 HQ, Fowlchurch Rd, Leek, ST13 6AT 6 - 8 yrs 5thLeek@moorlandsscouts.org
Cheadle Dolphins ASC 18.30 - 19.30 (Term Time Only) South Moorlands Leisure Centre, Allen St, Cheadle, ST10 1HJ. Karen 01538 757375 4+ years
2nd Cheadle Cubs 18.30 - 20.00 Cheadle Methodist Hall, Cheadle, ST10 1EE 8 - 10.5 yrs 2ndCheadle@ moorlandsscouts.org
New Century Taekwon-Do 19.00 - 20.00 Leek High School, Springfield Rd, Leek, ST13 6EU Dennis 07850 585148
St John Ambulance Cadets 19.00 - 20.00 (Term-time only) St John Ambulance Training Centre, Ashbourne Rd, Cheadle, ST10 1HF 10 - 17 yrs tracey.alkins@sja.org.uk
Football Coaching 16.30 - 17.30 South Moorlands Leisure Centre, Allen St, Cheadle, ST10 1HJ 01538 753 883 5 - 8 yrs £2.90 Booking Essential
Trampolining Course 16.30 - 17.30 South Moorlands Leisure Centre, Allen St, Cheadle, ST10 1HJ. 01538 753 883 £22.50 for 6 weeks
Sway Street Dance 17.00 - 17.45 South Moorlands Leisure Centre, Allen St, Cheadle, ST10 1HJ 01538 753 883 Booking Essential
Football Coaching 17.30 - 18.30 South Moorlands Leisure Centre, Allen St, Cheadle, ST10 1HJ 01538 753 883 9 - 12 yrs £2.90 Booking Essential
Trampolining Course 17.30 - 18.30 South Moorlands Leisure Centre, Allen St, Cheadle, ST10 1HJ. 01538 753 883 £22.50 for 6 weeks
Leek Kempo Ju-jitsu 18.00 - 19.00 Brough Park Leisure Centre, Leek, ST13 6AT 5 yrs+ Gene 07792 013962
Trampolining Course 18.30 - 19.30 South Moorlands Leisure Centre, Allen St, Cheadle, ST10 1HJ. 01538 753 883 £22.50 for 6 weeks
3rd Cheadle Cubs 18.30 - 19.45 The Monkhouse School Room, Prince George St, ST10 1HX 8 - 10.5 yrs 3rdCheadle@ moorlandsscouts.org
4th Leek Cubs 18.30 - 20.00 4th Leek Scout Hut, Pump St, Leek, ST13 6BJ 8 - 10.5 yrs 4thLeek@moorlandsscouts.org
Leek Kempo Ju-jitsu 19.00 - 20.00 Brough Park Leisure Centre, Leek, ST13 6AT 5 yrs+ Gene 07792 013962
Little Otters Swimming 19.00 - 20.00 South Moorlands Leisure Centre, Allen St, Cheadle, ST10 1HJ. information@ cheadleasc.org.uk Age 4+ £4 per session
5th Leek Scout and Guide Band 19.00 - 20.30 HQ, Fowlchurch Rd, Leek, ST13 6AT 5thLeek@moorlandsscouts.org
1st Cheddleton Beavers 17.45 - 19.00 St Edwards 1st School, Hollow Lane, ST13 7HP 6 - 8 yrs 1stCheddleton@ moorlandsscouts.org
18th Blythe Bridge Beavers 18.00 - 19.30 The Scout Hut, Off the Avenue, Blythe Bridge 6 - 8 yrs blythebridge@3towns.org.uk
Leek Town U11 Football 18.00 - 19.30 Westwood College, Westwood Park, Leek, ST13 8NP 01538 399278
Leek Town U9 Football 18.00 - 19.30 Westwood College, Westwood Park, Leek, ST13 8NP 01538 399278
3rd Cheadle Beavers 18.15 - 19.30 The Monkhouse School Room, Prince George St, ST10 1HX 6 - 8 yrs 3rdCheadle@ moorlandsscouts.org
4th Leek Beavers 18.30 - 19.45 4th Leek Scout Hut, Pump St, Leek, ST13 6BJ 6 - 8 yrs 4thLeek@moorlandsscouts.org
1st Endon Cubs 18.45 - 20.15 Scout HQ, Station Rd, Endon, ST9 9DR 8 - 10.5 yrs endoncubs@hotmail.com
5th Leek Scouts 19.00 - 21.00 HQ, Fowlchurch Rd, Leek, ST13 6AT 10.5 - 14 yrs 5thLeek@moorlandsscouts.org
1st Cheddleton Cubs 19.15 - 20.45 St Edwards 1st School, Hollow Lane, ST13 7HP 8 - 10.5 yrs 1stCheddleton@ moorlandsscouts.org
Children’s Reading Group 15.45 - 16.45 Alternate Fridays Werrington Library, Ash Bank Rd, ST9 0JS 8 - 11 yrs 01782 302706 Please call to check availability
Gymnastic Dance Class: Beginners/Improvers 16.00 - 17.00 Vivienne Shelley Dance Studio, 28 Bank Street, Cheadle, ST10 1NT 01538 754414
Gymnastic Dance Class: Inter/Advanced 17.00 - 18.00 Vivienne Shelley Dance Studio, 28 Bank Street, Cheadle, ST10 1NT 01538 754414
Little Pumas Taekwon-Do 18.00 - 18.30 Brough Park Leisure Centre, Leek, ST13 6AT 4-6 yrs Dennis 07850 585148
Under 9s Cricket 18.00 - 19.30 Leek Cricket Club, Highfield, Macclesfield Rd, ST13 8SG 01538 382636
Dual-Run Inflatables 18.15 - 19.45 South Moorlands Leisure Centre, Allen St, Cheadle, ST10 1HJ. 01538 753 883 5 - 14 yrs £2.60
New Century Taekwon-Do 18.30 - 19.30 Brough Park Leisure Centre, Leek, ST13 6AT Dennis 07850 585148
Friday Club 18.30 - 20.00 (Term-time only) Blythe Bridge Methodist Church, Uttoxeter Road, Blythe Bridge 7 - 12 yrs 50p
1st Endon Scouts 19.00 - 21.00 Scout HQ, Station Rd, Endon, ST9 9DR 10.5 - 14 yrs 1stEndon@moorlandsscouts. org
4th Leek Scouts 19.00 - 21.00 4th Leek Scout Hut, Pump St, Leek, ST13 6BJ 10.5 - 14 yrs 4thLeek@moorlandsscouts.org
Badminton Club 09.00 - 10.30 South Moorlands Leisure Centre, Allen St, Cheadle, ST10 1HJ 01538 753 883 £3.80 per session
Football Coaching 09.30 - 10.30 South Moorlands Leisure Centre, Allen St, Cheadle, ST10 1HJ 01538 753 883 9 - 12 yrs £2.90 Booking Essential
Warhammer Games Club 09.30 - 12.30 Blythe Bridge Library, Uttoxeter Road, Blythe Bridge, ST11 9JR 01782 296400 8+ yrs Free, just come along and bring your own Armies
Football Coaching 10.30 - 11.30 South Moorlands Leisure Centre, Allen St, Cheadle, ST10 1HJ 01538 753 883 5 - 8 yrs £2.90 Booking Essential
Warhammer Games Club 13.00 - 15.45 Leek Library, Stockwell Street, Leek, ST13 6DW 8+ yrs Free, just come along and bring your own Armies
Sway Street Dance 16.00 - 16.45 South Moorlands Leisure Centre, Allen St, Cheadle, ST10 1HJ 01538 753 883 5 - 14 yrs Booking Essential
Sway Cheerleading 16.45 - 17.30 South Moorlands Leisure Centre, Allen St, Cheadle, ST10 1HJ 01538 753 883 Booking Essential
Skaters Club Family Session 17.00 - 18.25 South Moorlands Leisure Centre, Allen St, Cheadle, ST10 1HJ 01538 753 883 £4 (Skate hire £2)
Krafty Kids Craft Workshops 10.30 - 12.30 Cabbage Rose, 37 St Edward St, Leek, ST13 5DJ 07772 484268
Skaters Club Roller Disco 18.35 - 20.00 South Moorlands Leisure Centre, Allen St, Cheadle, ST10 1HJ 01538 753 883 £4 (Skate hire £2)
2nd Cheadle Scouts 18.00 - 20.00 Cheadle Methodist Hall, Cheadle, ST10 1EE 10.5 - 14 yrs 2ndCheadle@ moorlandsscouts.org
Saturday Craft Club 10.45 - 11.45 Leek Library, Stockwell Street, Leek, ST13 6DW Fiona 01538 483211 3 - 10 yrs (under 8s must be accompanied by adults) 50p
Please help me to fill these pages in! If you know of any after school clubs, please get in touch. Our contact details are on page 3.
Phoenix Choral g 19.00 (Term-time only) st School, East St,
Listings on these pages are FREE!
rs 7756 710784
If you notice that any of the times or locations are incorrect, please let us know.
ythe Bridge Scouts 21.30 out Hut, Off the Avenue, Bridge yrs ridge@3towns.org.uk
Always check that the details are correct before setting out.
mmer Games Club 21.00 Bridge Library, Uttoxeter Blythe Bridge, ST11 9JR 296400 Free, just come along ng your own Armies
Ju-jitsu at Tatsu Dojo 18.30 - 19.30 Tatsu Dojo, Unit 27 Blythe Business Park, Cresswell, ST11 9RD Tara 07742 240973
Cheadle Ju-jitsu 18.30 - 19.30 South Moorlands Leisure Centre, Allen St, Cheadle, ST10 1HJ 07813 612024
2nd Leek Scouts 19.15 - 20.30 The Olde Grammar School, Clerk Bank, ST13 5HB 10.5 - 14 yrs 2ndLeek@moorlandsscouts. org
Trampolining Course 19.30 - 20.30 South Moorlands Leisure Centre, Allen St, Cheadle, ST10 1HJ. 01538 753 883 £22.50 for 6 weeks
1st Cheddleton Scouts 19.30 - 21.00 St Edwards 1st School, Hollow Lane, ST13 7HP 10.5 - 14 yrs 1stCheddleton@ moorlandsscouts.org
SUNDAY
1st Endon Beavers 18.15 - 19.30 Scout HQ, Station Rd, Endon, ST9 9DR 6 - 8 yrs 1stEndon@moorlandsscouts. org
St Paul’s Kid’s Club 11.00 St Paul’s Church, Novi Lane, Leek, ST13 6NR 01538 386109 Little Otters Swimming 13.00 - 14.00 South Moorlands Leisure Centre, Allen St, Cheadle, ST10 1HJ. information@ cheadleasc.org.uk Age 4+ £4 per session
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over to you What is parental responsibility?
P
arental Responsibility means, amongst other things, all the rights, duties, powers, responsibilities and authority which by law a parent of a child has in relation to the child and his or her property.
A mother automatically has parental responsibility for her child from birth. A father has parental responsibility if he’s either married to the child’s mother (providing the marriage is recognized by English Law) or he is named on the birth certificate (for all births registered after 01 December 2003). He will also acquire it if he and the mother jointly adopt the child. Parental responsibility is retained by both parents if they subsequently divorce. Parental responsibility means that you are also responsible for: • disciplining and guiding the child • choosing and providing for the child’s education and religion • consenting to the child’s medical treatment • naming the child and agreeing to any change of name • looking after the child’s property nurtureinmind
• providing a home for the child • protecting and maintaining a child If you have parental responsibility for a child you don’t live with, you don’t necessarily have a right to contact with them. However, the other parent should keep you updated about their education, well-being and progress. If you don’t see your child or the other parent doesn’t keep you informed about their progress, you should take legal advice from a family lawyer to find out more about what you can do. The responsibility to support your child financially arises whether or not you have parental responsibility. Therefore, if you are a father who doesn’t have parental responsibility, you must still provide for your child financially even if you don’t share parental responsibility with the mother. An unmarried father can obtain parental
responsibility for his child by: • marrying the mother • jointly registering the birth of the child with the mother (from 1 December 2003) • entering into a parental responsibility agreement with the mother • applying for a parental responsibility order from a court It is important to establish whether or not you have parental responsibility for your child and if you don’t have it, you should do something about it. Some schools are reluctant to send out information to a father who doesn’t have parental responsibility. Further it affects your ability to be involved in the making of important decisions about your child’s upbringing such as which school they attend, which religion they follow and decisions about medical treatment.
Photo courtesy of Jo Johnson
By Jo Johnson
Mindfulness Lessons for Life by Jude Brown from Nurture in Mind Ltd
We are often physically present, but not mentally present. Our minds wander and we are often thinking about the past or the future but not about what we are doing right now. We are not experiencing life in the present moment and we miss out on some great stuff that’s happening - even simple things like the smile of our children, or the smell of some flowers. Practicing mindfulness brings us, even just for a few moments, into the present. The techniques and skills learnt, with practice, help us to strengthen our present moment links and, guess what?!
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We start to realise that a lot of the stuff we are thinking about can wait for a few minutes. By changing the way we view thinking, we can change the way we feel and act. So, what are the benefits? Research is proving that techniques like mindfulness can support our emotional and mental wellbeing and embed our happiness for good. It could also mean: * less stress and anxiety, * improved focus and attention, * increased compassion and kindness, * better sleep. Levels of stress and anxiety have risen drastically in the last 20 years. Our reliance on technology has a huge part to play in increasing levels of ‘busyness’. We cannot change the complex issues that young people, in particular, are facing in the short term ... but we can give ourselves and our children the tools to look after our minds and emotions. In essence, we can’t change the waves but we can learn to surf on them!!
I am on a mission to share these tools and techniques with as many people as possible, and the younger that we have them, the less likely we are to fall into the trap of anxiety, stress or depression. Through my work as Nurture in Mind Ltd, I support schools and the local community to understand and develop these skills. I have a range of workshops available from introducing a whole school staff to mindfulness or working with individuals 1:1. I am interested in putting together workshops locally for parents and children and would love to hear from anyone! These skills are too important For more not to share!! information, please visit www.nurtureinmind.co.uk to find out how I can help you.
Photo courtesy of Jude Brown
Mindfulness is a practice achieved by focusing your awareness on the present moment; calmly acknowledging and accepting your feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations with curiosity, acceptance, gratitude and nonjudgment. It sounds a lot but in theory is quite simple. What we need, like everything we want to be good at, is the opportunity and time to practice and become better at it.
focus on
Applying for a Primary School Place in Staffordshire 1 November 2016: The application process opens 15 January 2017: Closing date for primary and Last middle school applications year, over 9 17 April 2017: Offer day Sta2f%foorfdpsahrireenwtseinre
I
f your child’s birthday falls between 1 September 2012 and 31 August 2013, they can start school full-time in a reception class in September 2017. You can apply online from 1 November 2016.
How to Apply The quickest and easiest way to apply is online but you can complete a paper application if you would prefer. You need to name three different school on your application form, listing them in order of preference. This includes any academy, foundation, voluntary aided, and/or any other neighbouring local authority maintained schools. Anyone with parental respnsibility can make the application. It is advisable to make more than one preference. You won’t have more chance of getting your child into a particular school if you only list that school (or if you list more than once!). If you don’t make an application, your child will be offered a place at a school in your catchment area or the nearest school with places available. Late applicants will be considered after those applicants who applied by the deadline. If your child has an elder sibling at your preferred school, you must still make an application.
Choosing a School Have a look around your local schools, visit their open days and download their OFSTED reports.
allocated a place in the ir 1st prefere nce school a n d 98% were o ffered a pla c e at one of t heir top three prefe rence schools.
Be realistic about the schools that you apply for. Although the great majority of parents and carers in Staffordshire get one of their preferred schools, it is important that you consider the possibility of your school preferences not being met, particularly if your preference is for a school that is not within your catchment area. Staffordshire County Council recommend that you include your catchment school as one of your preferences otherwise you won’t be considered for a place there.
If your child’s birthday is between 1 April and 31 August, when your child reaches the age of 5 and should be entering Year 1, you could apply for a Reception place instead. When making your application, you should include supporting information on why your child should not go into Year 1. Your application needs to be made by 15 January 2017.
You can apply for schools that are not in your catchment area but you need to be aware of any implications that attending a non-catchment school might have, such as the secondary school that the school feeds into. You should also consider how your child will get to school as very few children are entitled to any help with travel costs.
If you apply online you will be able to change your preference up to the closing date of 15 January 2017. You must remember to resubmit your application, otherwise the changes you make will not be registered. Alternatively, you can email the admissions team.
Make sure that you understand the admissions criteria for each of your preferences so that you know what order of priority you will be given for each preference. You can find the schools’ criteria on their websites.
If you wish to change your preferences after the notification date you will need to email admissions@staffordshire. gov.uk and your application will be administered in line with the late applications process.
Summer Born Children
Changing Your Mind
Further Information www.staffordshire.gov.uk/education/schoolsandcolleges/admissions
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pandas foundation PAndas foundation Pre and Post Natal Depression Advice and Support
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t can be overwhelming or frightening to experience a perinatal mental illness, but you do not have to go through it alone. The PANDAS Foundation has a variety of different services so you should be able to find the support that suits you. The PANDAS Foundation can also inform and guide family members, carers, friends and employers as to how they can support someone who is suffering. Postnatal depression is part of a range of postpartum mood disorders, which range in severity from the mild baby blues to postnatal psychosis which normally requires hospitalisation. Postnatal depression can develop at any time during the first year after birth, and you may have been depressed during pregnancy (pre/antenatal depression). Each individual is different, and may experience different symptoms. Some signs and symptoms include: • Low mood for a long period of time • Irritable • Emotional • Panic attacks • Lack of concentration • Lack of interest in your new baby • Feeling alone • Difficulty sleeping • Tension headaches • Decrease or increase in appetite • Reduced sex drive • Feeling useless, worthless and guilty • Feeling overwhelmed with situations The alteration in hormones after child birth has previously been blamed as the cause of postnatal depression. However, in recent years researchers haven’t found any difference in hormones between women which have postnatal depression and those who don’t. It is more likely a result of the combination of life changing events such as childbirth, any previous situations or events. Giving birth can be disappointing or
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traumatising and, depending on your own experience, it may have made you feel out of control and frightened. Complications during labour can cause the equivalent of post-traumatic stress disorder, but this is usually dismissed as many people consider the birth of a baby to be an adequate compensation. Looking after a new born baby can be demanding; some cry more than others, which may mean they are more difficult to look after. You may have found you are no longer working, have less of a social life, and have a reduced income compared to pregnancy or even before. This change in circumstances can cause added pressure and may be one of the factors to cause postnatal depression. It is thought that postnatal depression can run in families, however it is not yet fully understood whether it is a genetic factor or the social factors surrounding your childhood which may mean there is a higher risk for being diagnosed with postnatal depression. Awareness of postnatal depression is increasing, so G.P.s, Midwives and Health Visitors should be asking you specific questions regarding your mood during pregnancy and after labour to detect signs of possible postnatal depression. Many women often feel ashamed of their symptoms, and delay seeking help. It is vitally important to seek getting help, as if left untreated, postnatal
depression can last for months and in the more rare cases go on for years. Your G.P. may prescribe you antidepressants which are there to improve a chemical imbalance in the brain which can cause depression. The course of taking anti-depressants may last months and you will also be advised to continue taking the medication after your symptoms have stopped to help prevent the depression returning. If you are breastfeeding your baby, speak to your G.P. about the most suitable anti-depressant for you, and they will be able to advise you what is best. Don’t worry: you can continue breastfeeding and taking medication if you wish. You may be offered counselling, and this also might be available at your G.P practice. Other forms of psychological treatments may include: cognitive behavioural therapy and talking treatments which focuses on your past and present relationships.
pandas foundation You may be referred to your mental health team; the teams are made up of specialists, and can offer intensive support in the home and guide you through your recovery. Your family and friend can play a big part in helping your recovery. For them to be able to help, it is important you are honest with your friends and family about how you are feeling. Don’t bottle up your emotions as this can cause tension. Allow them to carry out small tasks for you, such as house work, taking your baby for a walk, or simply looking after your baby for one hour every other day to allow you to do something you want. It is important you allow yourself to have some ‘me time’. Self-help groups can offer you good advice and support on how to cope with postnatal depression. It can be a comfort to know that other mums are feeling the same as you. Hearing other individuals’ experiences of postnatal depression can be a huge benefit, as you will be able to discuss techniques on how to cope, and have an understanding of each other’s feelings. PANDAS Support Groups offers just that, in a non-judgmental safe environment. The most important support aid you can have is being able to talk to someone and be honest about your feelings and emotions. Ensure you write down on a piece of paper or a notebook the numbers of people you can call when you are feeling your worst, and make sure the list is readily available so if you feel you are becoming aggressive, upset, angry or anxious, you can call someone and know that you are not on your own. You can add PANDAS Help Line to your list: 0843 28 98 401, and we will always be here to listen. Don’t sit alone, stand together and be supported.
Perinatal Mental Illnesses Include: Prenatal or Antenatal Depression
It is only within the last twenty years that prenatal depression has been associated with pregnancy. Women who seek help for prenatal depression are often told it’s ‘just your hormones.’ Sufferers have often described prenatal depression as, rather than being a joyful happy time full of excitement, it turns into a nine month tunnel of doom, anxiety and despair. Although the majority of cases of prenatal depression disappear with the birth of the baby, in one third of cases a mother goes on to suffer from postnatal depression.
Pre or Postnatal Anxiety
Anxiety is part of normal human experience and is a reaction to situations which we find stressful, fearful or dangerous. It is sometimes known as the fight or flight response. Anxiety becomes abnormal when it is severe or inappropriate without adequate cause and lasting a long time. It can make someone imagine that a situation feels worse than it actually does, and in most cases prevents them from confronting their fears.
Postnatal Psychosis
An episode of psychosis following a birth of a baby can also be called Puerperal Psychosis or Postpartum Psychosis. Even though symptoms of postnatal psychosis can include depression, the illness itself is completely different to postnatal depression. Women can start to experience symptoms of postnatal psychosis between three and seven days after birth and it can start suddenly. This illness occurs in one in every one thousands births. It can be similar in some symptoms to bipolar disorder, and may take form of mania, severe depression with delusions, confusion or stupor, or rapid changes in mood between these extremes.
Postnatal Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Birth Trauma Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), occurs following an event in your life that is deemed seriously threatening
to yourself (or others), which resulted in intense fear, helplessness or horror. Symptoms include intrusive memories of the traumatic events (e.g. nightmares, flashbacks), avoidance, numbing and hyper-arousal. Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) lasts for a maximum of four weeks. After this time, this presentation is diagnosed as PTSD.
Postnatal OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a serious anxiety related condition. People who frequently suffer from this condition experience intrusive and unwelcome obsessive thoughts, often followed by repetitive compulsions. Obsession in general is someone who will experience obsessions, and continued persistent and uncontrollable thoughts, images, impulses, worries, fears or doubts. They are incredibly difficult to ignore. Compulsions are repetitive physical behaviours, actions or mental thought rituals that are performed over and over again, in an attempt to relieve the anxiety caused by the obsessional thoughts.
It’s ok not to be ok Join our coffee morning every Wednesday at All Saints Church Hall, Leek Road, Hanley, 9.30-11.30. We are a kind, small group of like minded mums who can help you deal with your Pre/Postnatal Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD and Panic attacks. There is a play area for little ones and an activity area for older children.
You are not alone. Join us for love and support. PANDAS Helpline 0843 28 98 401
Our helpline is open everyday between 9am-8pm. The PANDAS Helpline is manned by a team of trained volunteers who will be happy to chat to you and direct you to the right support for you.
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Telephone: 01538 361697 Mobile: 07974 645147 Email: hello@jojohnsonfamilylaw.co.uk Website: www.jojohnsonfamilylaw.co.uk Jo Johnson Family Law offers families the opportunity to benefit from a simpler way to access legal advice for family issues such as divorce, separation and sorting out the arrangements for children. After more than 24 years in the legal profession, having worked in a variety of settings from small rural practices to large commercial offices, Jo has decided to use her expertise and experience to establish her own virtual practice specialising in family law. Jo understands that it can be very difficult to pluck up the courage to take legal advice and she wishes to provide an opportunity for people to take specialist family legal advice in less formal surroundings. She offers face to face meetings to suit each individual and can arrange appointments during the evenings or at the weekends either at your home, in your workplace or at a location to suit.
Lego themed parties ÂŁ150
Includes venue, food, party bags and entertainment 07854 494017 PartyBLeek@yahoo.co.uk PartyBChildrensPartiesLeek
Experienced party leader No hassle - just bring the cake! Lots of themes available: princess, pirate, superhero craft, 1st birthday
Santa is coming to Leaps and Bounds!
21st - 22nd December 11am - 1pm Entry, a visit to Santa and a gift ÂŁ5.50 Christmas Opening Times 19 - 22 Dec 10am - 4.30pm 23 - 27 Dec closed 28 - 30 December 10am - 4.30pm 31 December 10am - 3pm 1 -3 January closed
Cross Street Mill, Leek, ST13 6BL
www. leapsandboundsindoorplay.com