A GREENOCK woman who had her first baby during coronavirus lockdown is making sure mums and babies across Inverclyde don't ever feel isolated in their communities. 

Pamela McCarn recently launched Tots & Tea at St John's Episcopal Church hall in Greenock.

She got the idea for the group back in 2020, a few months after she gave birth to her first child, Ben. 

Greenock Telegraph:
As Covid-19 lockdown restrictions were in place when Ben was born, Pamela couldn't take him anywhere, which she says was a very lonely experience. 

Pamela, 38, said: "We lived in a flat and had no garden and couldn't go out, so we were there night and day. I was very conscious of how isolated I felt and I decided that I didn't want any mum to have to experience that.

"I realised that I wanted to create something for mums and babies that was very social and would bring people together."

Pamela, who has worked in education and child development for 17 years, runs classes for babies aged up to three, and their mums, on Monday afternoons and Thursday mornings. 

Greenock Telegraph:
She will be expanding the classes to take in toddlers from next month. 

Pamela, who gave birth to her second wee boy, Aidan, just over four months ago, says the class is about babies and their mums sharing experiences together.

She added: "We're creating a safe and supportive network for mums and babies. Staying for a coffee and a chat after the classes has finished is a big part of the experience. 

"In only our second week we all decided we're going for lunch after the class. It really helps give mums a structure for their day. They know they have the class, so they're getting out of the house and taking part in a fun wee activity."

Greenock Telegraph:
Pamela runs classes in four-week blocks and there's a different theme every week. Activities during a session include music and movement, stretching, rhymes and songs, sensory activities, exploring and yoga. 

Pamela says she's been overwhelmed by the response to the classes and by the support she's received from the community. 

She added: "There's definitely a need for this type of class in Greenock. The team at the church have been a massive support."

Greenock Telegraph:
Jen McCann, 38, brought her son Arran, five months, along to the class. 

She said: "We're really enjoying it. We're forming a good network of mums who all come along for a chat. All of our babies are nearly the same age as well. It's so well organised."

Greenock Telegraph:
Ashleigh MacLachlan, 28, was at the session with her daughter Zara, four months. 

She said: "It's good for the wee ones and for us as well. Everyone is comfortable and happy. It feels like we're building our own wee community."

To find out more about the group search for Tots & Tea on Facebook.