A DRIVE to provide desperately needed social facilities for the youngest members of the community in the Northlew area has been launched by a pioneering support programme.
Hatherleigh Sure Start, a two-year government-backed initiative aimed at supporting parents with young families, has identified Northlew as being number one on its list of priorities.
Jenny Mackenzie, who works at Sure Start with fellow project worker Ruth Bushell, said: ?According to our figures there are at least 30
under-fives in the Northlew parish and there is absolutely nothing at all for them.
?We are looking to fund suitable premises or perhaps refurbish existing premises so we can organise a drop-in service for parents and their children.?
Hatherleigh Sure Start already has projects up and running in Hatherleigh and Exbourne.
It supports a variety of services, such as a well baby clinic, story and music sessions, pre-school sessions, craft sessions for mums and regular toy and book libraries.
It aims to extend support to parents by setting up parenting groups which will receive input from the health visiting team, the community nursery nurse and speech and language experts.
Sure Start recently held a successful first aid course in Hatherleigh and a further course is to be held in Exbourne and Hatherleigh once more.
It plans an extension of these services at Highampton, but is keen to target Northlew given the lack of facilities in this parish.
A meeting has been planned for March 3 at 7.30pm in the Green Dragon. Any parents of children under five or parents-to-be who are interested in getting
involved are urged to come along to share their views, thoughts and ideas. A finger buffet will be provided.
All parents within the Sure Start area, which includes Beaworthy, Inwardleigh, Exbourne, Iddesleigh, Meeth, Broadwoodkelly, Jacobstowe and Monkokehampton are also invited to a steering group meeting to be held on March 13 at 10am in Hatherleigh Town Hall ? free creche provided.
Anyone who would like to learn more about Hatherleigh Sure Start can call Jenny Mackenzie or Ruth Bushell on 01837 811190.