Mums chill out at Northfield family centre’s coffee sessions

Jul 7 2009 by Diane Parkes, Birmingham Mail

WHEN mum Emma O’Brien moved to Northfield she did not know a soul and admits it was a difficult time.

With two small children and a third on the way, she became pretty much a recluse, confined to her home and lonely.

Which is why going along to a coffee morning set up by parents in the heart of the local community has made such a difference to Emma and a handful of other mums.

Founded at the beginning of the year, the ChattaChino sessions at Wychall Children and Family Centre in Northfield are providing a vital support to a group of parents who, for a couple of hours each week, have a bit of space for themselves.

Some choose to bring their children, others have their children in school or nursery, and relish the temporary respite. But what brings all of these parents together is the chance to relax, let off steam, swap stories and build friendships with other parents in the same situation.

The group is largely mums of young children and was the brainchild of a volunteer who attends the centre, Michelle Culloo, aged 25, of West Heath.

Mum to four-year-old Daniel and two-year-old Ellie-Mae, Michelle saw the need for such a group.

“I was often here at the family centre and there were all kinds of courses and activities but I thought there needed to be somewhere that mums could just come and have a chat,” she said.

“If they have had a bad weekend and want to talk about it they can. They can drop their children off at school and have a bit of time to talk to other mums. It is about meeting new people and getting to know people better.”

Michelle put her idea to staff at the Staple Lodge Road centre – manager Daisy Prentice and receptionist Nicki Taylor – who were quick to support her. The results are plain for all to see.

“Where before we might have known each other’s faces across the school playing ground, now we know each other, we know about each other’s children, what is going on in our lives,” says Michelle. “We have really got to know each other.”

That has been a real help to mums such as 27-year-old Emma, whose children are Casie-Leigh, aged seven, Mckenzie, aged four, and one-year-old Luke.

“I didn’t know anybody when I first got here and it was really difficult,” she said.

“I started bringing Casie-Leigh to the school here in September and that was when I found out about the children’s centre.”

Gradually Emma accessed different services at the centre and this year began attending the ChattaChino group.

“It has got a lot easier now,” she says. “Everyone here is really helpful and I have got to know people. I have made a few friends and that is easier.”

One of those friends is Annmarie Butler, aged 23, who moved to Northfield from London just three months ago.

“I knew a few people to say hello to,” says Annmarie, who is mum to five-year-old Joshua and two-year-old Olivia. “But coming here has meant I have made a few friends.

“It is really good to come here and have a natter. You can talk about your weekend and what is happening in your life and, in the meantime, the children can play together.”

Annmarie has also taken advantage of some of the courses and support available at the centre, including Broadening Horizons which aims to provide careers direction.