Littlehampton baby and toddler group set up during pandemic celebrates first birthday

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A Littlehampton baby and toddler group that was founded during the Covid-19 pandemic has celebrated its first birthday with a big party.

Mayor Jill Long, Littlehampton Lions Club president David Cook and 5th Littlehampton Sea Scouts’ Beaver leader Sophie Dymock were among special guests at Caterpillar Club Baby and Toddler Group this morning.

The Lions have recently donated money to buy tables and chairs for the children to use at snack time and 5th Littlehampton Sea Scouts allows the club to use its building for its sessions on Thursday mornings.

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Founder Helen Bradshaw said the group was run entirely by volunteers and they could not do it without all the help they had received, including a grant from Littlehampton Town Council for play equipment.

Caterpillar Club Baby and Toddler Group founder Helen Bradshaw, left, with Littlehampton Lions Club president David Cook, 5th Littlehampton Sea Scouts’ Beaver leader Sophie Dymock and Littlehampton mayor Jill LongCaterpillar Club Baby and Toddler Group founder Helen Bradshaw, left, with Littlehampton Lions Club president David Cook, 5th Littlehampton Sea Scouts’ Beaver leader Sophie Dymock and Littlehampton mayor Jill Long
Caterpillar Club Baby and Toddler Group founder Helen Bradshaw, left, with Littlehampton Lions Club president David Cook, 5th Littlehampton Sea Scouts’ Beaver leader Sophie Dymock and Littlehampton mayor Jill Long
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Helen said: "We are an independent group, set up last June to help give parents and carers a place to take their children to play and meet with other families at a time when the pandemic had closed many resources. Our sessions are affordable for all pockets, making it as accessible as possible for everyone.

"It is a drop-in group, so some weeks, it is really quiet and some weeks it is really busy. With some of the children who have come to us from the start, we have really seen them grow and develop.”

Helen sets up separate areas for different age groups to play, with free flow for all the children. They are also able to use the outside space when the weather is nice.