AN invaluable lifeline is being thrown out to young parents in Tavistock, in the form of the 'Bright Young Things' group. The young parents' collective meets once a week on a Thursday at Tavistock Children's Centre by Tavyside Surgery. The focus is on being a constant channel of support for mums and dads and their children, whether through health advice or help with getting back into employment. At the moment only a small handful of mums take advantage of the group run by Cheryl Nancarrow, community nursery nurse, and Rachael Pickett, project worker and leader for young parents from the children's centre. I met the group while on a special day out at Play Planet on Pixon Lane in Tavistock — a soft play area with a slide, ball pool and much for the youngsters to enjoy. After an hour with the young mums, I realised just how valuable the group was to them — and how grateful they are to Cheryl and Rachael. Young mum Coral, 20, brings her son Regan-Lee, who is two years old, to the group. She said usually, going into a new environment was a daunting experience for her, but she found the group to be a 'calming and happy environment'. She said: 'It is such a lovely group — so welcoming. 'I was petrified before I turned up but when I came in to the group they didn't overwhelm me. 'They taught me how to be persistent with Regan-Lee without feeling bad, as before I would just normally give in, but now I follow a procedure thanks to them. It is a lovely group.' Leona, 16, who has a son called Shane almost seven months old, has also found the group very helpful and friendly. She said: 'Without this group I would have gone straight from school and sat at home. 'Here we get to sit and chat about babies. 'I have found the support very helpful.' Cheryl, community nursery nurse, working for Virgin Care, Integrated Childrens' Service, said: 'Young parents can become isolated and stay at home, which can lead to feeling low in mood. 'The group is good for young parents to get together and meet new friends. 'Anyone can just drop in, you don't have to be referred, and you can even come along before you give birth for help and advice.' Rachael, who offers one-to-one support for any young parents, said: 'There is no judgement here — just come along. 'We are here for anyone who wants support and advice. 'It's lovely to watch the children grow up, its the most rewarding part of our job.' During the Bright Young Things get-togethers, health advice, housing advice, parental skills, and debt advice are all on offer. One such aspect to help is 'Parents with Prospects', a course which covers the first five years of a child's life and explains how to develop a healthy and fulfilling relationship with the child. Once completed the parents will receive a qualification of Level 1 Parenting. For more information on the group, which meets from 3.30pm to 4.30pm, call Rachael on 01822 614210.