Keep the Baby & Toddler Group Open at Our Lady of the Rosary

For over 7 years, Elsa’s Baby & Toddler Group at Our Lady of the Rosary Social Club has been a lifeline for families, grandparents, carers and young children in our community. It has supported hundreds of families during their most formative years, helping parents and carers find friendship and reassurance, and giving children a safe and nurturing place to play, learn and grow.

Sadly the church has decided that the group will not continue. We, the undersigned, believe this decision will have a serious and lasting impact on families in our community. The loss of this group would mean much more than the closure of a play session — it would take away a trusted and affordable space that countless people depend upon.

Why this group is vital:

🌱 Early child development – babies and toddlers gain essential skills in sharing, playing and socialising, preparing them for nursery and school.
💛 Mental health & wellbeing – parents and carers, especially new mums, benefit from peer support that helps reduce postnatal anxiety, depression and isolation.
👵 Grandparent carers – many older carers now look after grandchildren while parents work. This group gives them community, encouragement and a sense of belonging.
🤝 Building community bonds – the group has always been welcoming, inclusive and affordable. It has helped families form lasting friendships and strengthened parish life.
📅 Year-round support – unlike many groups that run only during term time, Elsa’s group also runs during holidays, offering vital support exactly when families need it most.

We respectfully call on Father John to reconsider this decision and allow Elsa to reopen the group immediately.

Reopening would not only continue a much-valued tradition at Our Lady of the Rosary, but would also show recognition of the very real needs of families, carers and children who depend on this group every week