Parent & Toddler groups to support families across Wales
published on 12 Jun 2026
Parents and carers across Wales are being encouraged to discover the benefits of The Salvation Army’s Parent and Toddler groups, with registration now open ahead of the autumn term.
The groups offer an affordable, welcoming space for families, typically costing between £1 and £3 per family, often with refreshments included.
Parent and Toddler groups are the second most attended activity in centres run by The Salvation Army across the UK, after Sunday worship. There are 13 groups across the country, from Aberystwyth to Rhyl and Bargoed to Swansea.
At The Salvation Army church in Penarth, the Parent and Toddler group has supported local families for more than 30 years. Long-time volunteer Christine Maunder explains:
“Parents register on their first visit, so we get the children’s names, date of birth and any allergies. Educational play is very important to teach children about sharing, taking turns, counting numbers and doing jigsaws among other things. It prepares youngsters for nursery and helps the parents make new friends in their area.”
Regular attendee Jenny Hurley (38) from Dinas Powys attends with her daughter Cara and has brought her older children for more than a decade:
“All my three children loved coming here. These are the crucial early years of their life. Being a first-time mum is scary, so it helps meeting other parents and exchanging advice as we are all in the same boat. Plus, the toast is amazing, especially when as a mum you haven't yet had a chance to eat. Given the current cost of living crisis, financially, it's not a drain to come here.”
Julia Baker (70) who is from Penarth and brings two of her grandchildren, added:
“Coming here breaks up the day which can be tiring with two little ones. It’s heart-warming to see them mix with other children for the first time. And thankfully, it’s such a small amount of money for structured playtime, crafts, singing.”
June marks the national month of prayer for Parent and Toddler groups, highlighting their importance in communities.
In Pentre, Susan Draper, who runs The Salvation Army’s local Parent and Toddler group, said:
“I’ve volunteered here since retiring in 2014. It’s become a generational thing for many. We have grandparents who brought their children here, now coming with their grandchildren.”
Adam Stacey, 35, from Pentre, attends with his newly adopted son:
“We only adopted our son in March, so we have only been coming for a couple of months. He was a bit shy and cautious at first but has really flourished and come out of his shell.”
He was a bit shy and cautious at first but has really flourished and come out of his shell.
Local parent Amy Shepherd, 32, says the group has been transformative for her two‑year‑old son:
“Joel loves playing with children the same age. It’s helped his communication skills and improved his talking immensely. I’ve also learnt so much and made new friends as we all have a shared experience. The Salvation Army volunteers can’t do enough to help.”
Families can find their nearest group by visiting The Salvation Army website and entering their postcode:
It’s helped his communication skills and improved his talking immensely.
