A series of events offering guidance and support to new and expectant parents is taking place across Leicestershire

The free sessions will take place this month in areas such as Wigston, Lutterworth, Hinckley, Loughborough, Market Harborough, Braunstone Town, Melton and Coalville.

Organised by Leicestershire County Council, they will feature activities to support babies' brain development and explore play ideas such as singing, reading and relaxing together.

Parents and carers will have the chance to ask questions and meet other families, with the aim of helping them feel comfortable and prepared for the vital role they will play in their child's development. Advice and support will also be on hand for any parents who are struggling and seeking help.

Councillor Deborah Taylor, cabinet member for children and families, said: "Providing help and support to new families to help shape the best start for their child is such a high priority for us, as we understand that becoming a parent can be overwhelming.

"The first 1,001 days of a child's life is a time of particularly rapid growth and brain development. Leading child health experts agree that the care given during this period has more influence on a child's future health and happiness than at any other time in their life."

"Events such as these exploring 1001 critical days where you can meet others in a similar situation to yourself, who are going through the same experience can provide comfort. We encourage new or expectant parents to come and meet our teams to obtain some beneficial guidance and support."

The events are being held at:

• Earl Shilton Children and Family Wellbeing Centre (St Simon and St Jude's, Alexander Avenue, Earl Shilton, LE9 7AH) Tuesday 7 March 1pm- 2:30pm
• Melton: The Edge Children and Family Wellbeing Centre (Dalby Rd, Melton Mowbray LE13 0BQ) Wednesday 8 March 10am- 11:30am
• Wigston Magna Children and Family Wellbeing Centre (Long Street, Wigston, LE18 2AH- by All Saints Primary School) Thursday 9 March 10am- 11:30am
• Huncote: Sportsfield Lane (onsite with Huncote Leisure Centre, LE9 3BN)- Monday 13 March 1:30pm-3pm
• Loughborough: Shelthorpe Children and Family Wellbeing Centre (Beacon Academy, Woodthorpe Road, Loughborough, LE11 2NF) Monday 13 March 10:30- 12:30pm, Tuesday 14 March 9:30am- 11:30am Wednesday 15 March 9:30am- 11:30am
• Loughborough: West Children and Family Wellbeing Centre (Regent Street, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 5BA) Thursday 16 March 9:30am- 11:30am
• Loughborough: Mountfields Lodge Children and Family Wellbeing Centre (Off Epinal Way, Squirrel Close, Loughborough LE11 3GE) Friday 17 March 10:30-1pm

• Braunstone Town Children and Family Wellbeing Centre (Kingsway North, Braunstone Town, LE3 3BD- on Winstanley School Site) - Wednesday 15 March 10am-11:30am
• Coalville: Greenhill Children and Family Wellbeing Centre (171 Waterworks Road, LE67 4HZ) Wednesday 15 March 10am-12pm
• Market Harborough Children and Family Wellbeing Centre (Coventry Rd, Market Harborough LE16 9BX) Wednesday 15 March 11am- 1pm
• Lutterworth Children and Family Wellbeing Centre (28 Coventry Rd, Lutterworth LE17 4RB)Wednesday 15 March 10am- 12pm
• Hinckley Children and Family Centre (Granville Road, Hinckley. LE10 0PP) Friday 17 March 10am- 11:30am

The council has also created Baby's First 1001 Days videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5JpLNn77bQ to support the work.

Further advice and information on the first 1,001 days can be found at https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/education-and-children/early-years-and-childcare/my-first-1001-days