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This month, Stay, Play and Weigh, the much-loved community initiative, celebrated its first anniversary – a fantastic milestone for a group that has provided vital support to local families over the past year.
A Safe and Supportive Space for Parents and Carers
Stay, Play and Weight was founded by Sandi Wallis, a former midwife and health visitor, alongside dedicated volunteer Maggie Reeson. The group was created to offer a welcoming and supportive space where young parents and carers can connect while spending quality time with their babies.
Held every Tuesday from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm in the Discovery Room at New Earswick Folk Hall, Stay, Play and Weigh provides a range of resources and support, including:
- Self-service baby weighing and measuring in a relaxed setting
- Peer support from other parents and carers
- Educational toys to encourage play and development
- Nutritional guidance to promote healthy choices
- Information and signposting to local family services
- A suggestion box to gather ideas and feedback from attendees
Strengthening Community Connections
Stay, Play and Weigh has grown even stronger through its collaboration with the City of York Council Community Health Champion programme. As part of this partnership, Sandi has completed additional training to expand the support available to families.
Viv Fleming, Community Development Officer, praised the initiative’s success:
"Working alongside the Community Health Champion programme has been invaluable. It has helped strengthen support for local families, opening up new networks and training opportunities."
Why residents love Stay, Play and Weigh
The impact of Stay, Play and Weigh is best captured in the words of those who attend:
"Lovely space, great selection of toys. It’s fantastic to have something local in New Earswick. The baby scales are really useful, and the play area with the paddling pool and sofas is a great idea. We’ll definitely be back!"
"My baby really enjoys these sessions. It’s the only free class in the area I can actually reach, as I don’t drive, and the only place I know where you can weigh and check progress. It’s always fun to connect with other mums. The staff are so lovely, and it’s a great way to socialise when it gets lonely."
A Celebration of Success
To mark the occasion, Sandi, Maggie, and local families came together to celebrate with cake, conversation, and reflections on the group’s achievements. The event was a testament to the power of community support and the difference a welcoming space can make for parents and carers.
A huge thank you to Sandi and Maggie for their dedication and commitment to making Stay, Play and Weigh such a success. Here’s to many more years of supporting local families!
Want to be a part of Stay, Play and Weigh?
Please drop in, we would love to see you.
Held every Tuesday from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm in the Discovery Room at New Earswick Folk Hall.