Clare Bailey was inspired to start Market Drayton Buggy Walks after attending a National Childcare Trust (NCT) ‘walk and talk’ event provided by NCT Telford & Wrekin. That was in April 2021 when Covid rules were still in force, and support groups for parents with children under 5 were only allowed to operate with no more than 15 adults in attendance outside. Clare says: “I knew that parents like me in Market Drayton would benefit; Buggy Walks help to bring new parents together locally, and the best thing too is that the group is free, so there was no outlay to set it up. At the time of starting the group, to make it fair for parents who wanted to attend AND keep to government guidelines on Covid, I sold FREE tickets via the online event management website, ‘Eventbrite’. However, since restrictions have been lifted, people are free to turn up on the day without prior booking.
“Being a new parent can be incredibly tough & isolating at times. I’m a firm believer that it really does take a village to raise a child and I wanted to help bring new parents together to find their village” …or their own support network.
“There are many reasons to come along: to meet others, share experiences, enjoy the fresh air, improve your fitness and reduce anxiety… to name a few! And it gets you out of the house and provides outdoor sensory stimulation for you and your babies… I’ve made so many new friends from my buggy walk and I really hope others have too. The thought of anyone being lonely & isolated really does worry me and I hope the walk helps break that ice in meeting others. If anyone is ever feeling worried about attending then please do feel free to contact me beforehand.”
