Apply now for parent & toddler groups in Scotland

During National Month of Prayer for toddler groups The Salvation Army is encouraging Scottish families to contact their local group now before the summer holidays to attend next term. By doing so, children can take part in fun activities and make friends in their area from the start of term in August, while parents, grandparents or carers have a cup of tea and a natter – or join in the fun.  

Second only to Sunday Worship, Parent & Toddler Groups are the best attended activity in The Salvation Army with demand for places high. Normally taking place once or twice weekly during term time, they provide an affordable, nurturing space where grownups can share the many challenges of caring for young children with others who understand their situation, while infants have a safe space to play and build social skills. Everyone is welcome regardless of beliefs or background, with the emphasis on fun. 

Recent research highlighted enjoyment by the child as the top reason for parents attending toddler groups, with their child making friends and learning good values also important reasons for taking part, according to the study by the ecumenical partnership, Hope Together.  

Leah Burns is a primary school headteacher from Fort William in the Scottish Highlands who began attending a Parent & Toddler group at The Salvation Army during her maternity leave and now pops in when her busy job allows. 

Leah said:  

“I've been really lucky, I have a baby but I also have a niece and nephew who are just a little older. I work full time normally, so this is an opportunity to come along with my niece and nephew and my own child. Getting the chance to see the older kids and see what they're doing has definitely helped him. He sits and watches all the others. There's such a variety of toys and obviously that's important at that age - you can't buy them everything. Here you can swap, switch the toys all the time.” 

Rebecca Illingworth, also from Fort William, is another regular at the group, which runs on a Tuesday and Thursday during term time less than a mile from Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. 

Rebecca said:  

“It's good for interaction. The group leaders Janice and Jason are really friendly and there's nice snacks. It's a good break, it can be a long day so this takes care of the morning then you can go home, do your lunch and then nap, it breaks up the day. And there's a social aspect to it as well. In Fort William there's not really a lot on compared to other places so I would say this is one of the busiest groups.” 

Parent & Toddler groups provide an opportunity for the organisers like Isabel Flanagan, leader of The Salvation Army in Cowdenbeath to connect with parents and families about their physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. 

Isabel said:  

“We're parents, grandparents and child minders, everyone just gets stuck in and helps with whatever needs done. Sometimes people talk and share their worries and I’m here to listen and help where I can, helping to reduce feelings loneliness and isolation with a warm welcome and generous hospitality to both the children and adults. For other folks I think just the socialising and really fun atmosphere is enough.” 

As well as good company and fun activities the group in Cowdenbeath often has grocery items and other products that people can take. “We have a good relationship with the bakery nearby and they give us donuts and rolls to share, plus the supermarkets are very generous,” said Isabel. People can take what they need without being judged, it’s about everyone getting on. We can help with clothes and food, providing for young children is expensive and if we can provide some tins we’re happy to.” 

Cowdenbeath childminder, Lauren Pierce, attended an earlier version of the group at the church and charity as a child and now joins Isabel and the others every Wednesday with her son and her friend, Kelsey Ward.  

Lauren said:  

“I came here when I was a wee girl, to the original group, my Mum brought me. We didn’t know much about The Salvation Army before we came along, we had seen it on Facebook. Everyone makes you welcome and there's camaraderie, no judgement if you're having a bad day, which we do, we all do. They come in and you get a cup of tea and offer to sit with Freddy for a while.” 

Kelsey Ward said: 

“It's just brilliant, it really is. They're just so kind and welcoming. I literally cannot say a bad thing about them. There’s a small charge but that is regardless of how many children you bring along, plus you get tea and a cake – it’s amazing.” 

Recognising the importance of good early years experiences and the popularity of parent and toddler groups across the country, The Salvation Army is partnering with the Centre for Religion and Public Life at the University of Leeds on a PhD research project led by Major Andrea Still.  

Major Andrea said:  

“Saying ‘It’s just the toddler group’ doesn’t do justice to the amazing work Churches are doing. For over 40 years, Salvation Army Parent & Toddler Groups have been welcoming parents, grandparents, carers, and pre-school children into a safe environment where everyone is valued, nurtured, and given the opportunity to thrive. 

“Each Parent & Toddler group reflects its community to ensure that it is accessible, affordable and puts the person first. I believe this research will highlight where lives are being transformed and reveal what we can learn from the experiences of people across the country.” 

To locate your nearest Parent & Toddler Group visit The Salvation Army website and enter your postcode: https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/map-page (please note that not every location hosts a Parent & Toddler group).