AFTER becoming a mum for the first time two years ago Jamie McAlinden struggled to find a social group where she could fit in.
Jamie, who lives in Astley, found it difficult to break into circles of friends who knew each other for many years when she went to mums and tots sessions with her son Liam.
After her second child Cillian was born in April, Jamie did not want to experience isolation again and decided to set up an inclusive mums and tots group.
She established Grow Sensory Group, and run her first weekly series of sessions for mums with children aged under 12 months, which started at St Ambrose Barlow Church Hall in Astley in September.
She followed that up with a second course of sessions earlier this month.
Babies at Grow Sensory Group sessions
Psychology and counselling graduate Jamie, 32, said: "When I went to mums and tots groups I felt they were quite intimidating.
"I set up a group to make it more structured by focusing on activities.
"When people come on their own to sessions it gives them something to do.
"We use sensory lights and different themes each week.
"We listen to different types of music rather than nursery rhymes which is good at their age.
"After the activities the second half of the sessions are more relaxed and the children play with each other - we don't want the education to be overbearing.
"I also make sure the sessions are friendly and welcoming and speak to all of the mums every week.
"So far I have had really good feedback from the sessions."
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Jamie also has a wealth of experience working with children's development.
At the age of 19 Jamie went backpacking to Australia and lived there for 10 years where she got her degree which had a special focus on infancy and the early years.
She then worked in a women's prison in rehabilitation where she carried out play-based therapy sessions with the women and their children before they were released.
In Australia, Jamie also met her future husband Shane, from Ireland, before they moved to Astley in 2016.
Shane and Jamie McAlinden with their children Liam, two, and Cillian, eight months
Jamie with Liam and Cillian
Upon her return home, Jamie worked for a charity supporting families with children who have illnesses. Her role involved lots of sensory play with youngsters.
Jamie's third weekly series of toddler group sessions will begin on Thursday, January 9 in two morning time slots at St Ambrose Barlow Church Hall.
Jamie is also planning to hold toddlers groups for children over the age of 12 months at the Astley Scout Hut on Ellesmere Street on Wednesdays from February.
For more information contact Jamie on 07986 871202 or visit the Grow Sensory Group Facebook page.
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