Problem
As parents, grandparents and other childcare providers, we rely heavily on our community’s under 5s groups in order to keep our little ones entertained and give them access to new experiences and social situations, as well as to keep ourselves sane! Baughurst, Tadley and the surrounding community has been hugely fortunate in having a fantastic selection of under 5s groups, run by two compassionate, caring, dedicated ladies, available to us daily at the Hurst Community Centre.

Tragically, on 2nd October, these wonderful groups were all suspended without notice, with no indication of their return. This has caused distress for many of the children, who loved attending the groups and really miss them. It has also caused serious consternation for the impacted adults who are left with minimal options for entertaining young children locally as well as having to try to explain to toddlers why they can no longer go to their favourite singing/messy/active groups. As Tadley offers very few practical locations for socialising with young children, particularly in inclement weather such as that of autumn and winter, it is particularly disappointing that this suspension has yet to be lifted. It leaves parents feeling isolated and young children without the opportunity to develop their early social skills.

Solution
As we head deeper into the darker, colder part of the year, we implore you to urgently reinstate the lovely Hurst under 5s groups. It is within your power to bring happiness to many people, young, old and in-between. Please do not delay any further but re-start Messy Play, Little Pips, Bounce & Balance and Music & Movement, with the warm, welcoming Jo and Tara, as immediately as you cancelled them so many weeks ago. As a community centre, these groups should be front and centre in the service you provide as they benefit so many people so profoundly.

Personal story
I have started this petition in order to provide a voice for all the many people who I know are crying out for the return of these groups. I have personally been attending the Hurst under 5s groups with my two sons for the past 5 years. It is because of these groups that I have the local friends that I do. It is through these groups that I have been able to keep in touch with those friends and it is the support of those friends, and indeed Jo and Tara themselves, which has kept me sane when my sons have been trying to drive me crackers!

I know many people who rely on the groups, and have relied on them in the past, to keep them going when life was especially hard: struggling to find the confidence to socialise, they have felt accepted here; drowning under the weight of becoming a single parent, they have found a life raft here. I hate to think that the same support is not available to anyone needing it right now. A community centre should take care of its community. That is exactly what these groups have always done. Please bring them back now.