A POPULAR baby and toddler group which meets in the Kings Arms Community Hub is to be adopted by Wellington Town Council.

The Bright Beginnings Parent, Baby and Toddler Group is run by volunteers, but the town council which operates the community hub had some concerns earlier this year when the group requested financial support for its room hire costs.

Councillors raised question marks about it not being a constituted organisation, safeguarding arrangements, insurance cover, and governance and accountability.

Now, members of the council’s community committee have been reassured to hear more detail about the group, which provides a safe and welcoming space for parents, carers, and young children to meet.

The council’s community development officer, Laura Batcha, said: “Following discussion with the volunteers, the group has confirmed that they would be happy for the activity to operate under the town council’s umbrella as a volunteer-led group rather than as a separate constituted organisation.

“Several volunteers involved in the group are retired residents who bring valuable knowledge and experience, providing informal guidance and support to young families.

“For some volunteers, participation in the group also provides a stepping stone into employment, particularly in early years or social care settings.”

Councillors agreed to approve the adoption of the Bright Beginnings Parent, Baby and Toddler Group under the council’s volunteer framework with a view to it operating at the Kings Arms Community Hub.

It was also confirmed that room hire costs for the group would be covered by an appropriate council budget.

The Bright Beginnings group supports a number of community advantages including early years’ social development for babies and toddlers, informal peer support for new parents, social connection and reduced isolation for families, opportunities for intergenerational volunteering, and confidence building for volunteers exploring future employment.