Based on successful baby shower-style events in Stoke-on-Trent, and adapted to suit the local context, these events were co-produced in partnership with the Council, Public Health, Family Hubs, Family Action, Close Knit Families, as well as local parent representatives and other voluntary organisations, ensuring they were shaped by and for the community.
But these events were also much more than a celebration, they were a powerful demonstration of how co-designed, inclusive experiences can help break down barriers between families and the services that support them in the earliest years of life.
“Events like Bumps and Babies are so important so families can see what’s going on in the area. Bringing people together and having events like this means that families can feel involved in their communities and have first-hand access and support from everybody around them.”
– Jen Booth, Family Action
More than a meet-and-greet
Bumps and Babies brought together families and a wide range of early years professionals, including midwives, health visitors, Home-Start, Harbour domestic abuse support, and many others, to increase awareness of local support services. But the true success of the events was in how they created space for genuine connection and shared experience.
Through simple, fun activities like crafts and storytelling, collectively we opened the door to conversations that wouldn’t otherwise have happened.
Rethinking support: from “us and them” to “all of us”
We knew from our Discovery work that many families in Redcar and Cleveland worry about needing or asking for support from early years services. There can be a sense of stigma from the perception that these services are only there when something has gone wrong. But we know that support in the first five years is about unlocking the power of parents through relationship building and creating environments where they can have access to the support they need. The challenge is how we communicate that message in a way that feels safe and welcoming. From the start, Bumps and Babies was designed with this question in mind.
“Such a warm, welcoming event with a great variety of professionals.”
– Parent
“My partner and I found the event incredibly helpful – we are blown away by the amount of support available to us”
– Parent
1. Times and venues shaped by families
With our five wards spanning across a large geographical area, Bumps and Babies was developed in direct response to what we heard from local families: one event wouldn’t be enough. To ensure we could reach as many families as possible, we delivered five events in each ward, hosted at different times and venues. This approach ensured that we could reach as many families as possible, from working parents to those managing school runs and older children.
2. Facebook events with real conversations
Our parent representatives told us they like to see who else is going before attending events, so we listened. Each event had an active Facebook event page, with discussion boards where professionals introduced themselves, answered questions, and posted updates. Parents began connecting with each other and even arranged to attend together, showcasing community support in action.
3. Parent Connectors creating networks of support
We made sure our Parent Connectors were front and centre, not just at the event, but throughout its promotion. We shared what they could offer: meeting parents beforehand, waiting at the door, staying by their side, and introducing them to the right people. Their presence helped families feel at ease, and many left with strong new connections and confidence to engage with services going forward.
4. Visualising the day to reduce anxiety
We knew we were asking a lot of many parents by expecting them to come to a brand-new event with lots of strangers. To overcome this, we recorded walk throughs of each location, clips of professionals chatting with parents and taking part in fun activities together, and lots of fun activities like making up the goodie bags.
Reflections for future events
Bumps and Babies reminded us that the most meaningful events are shaped by the people that they are for. From the services involved, to the format, look and feel, and even how we spread the word, every element was co-designed with parents. Their input wasn’t just helpful, it was essential.
By listening and responding to what families told us, we created events that felt genuinely welcoming, inclusive and useful. A friendly Parent Connector at the door, a familiar face online or a simple craft activity that opened the door to deeper conversations, it was the small details informed by local insight that made the biggest difference.
And while this first series of events has wrapped up, their impact is just beginning. The connections made, trust built, and the lessons learned will shape how we continue to work in Redcar & Cleveland and inform our approach across our wider programmes.
“When you’re a new parent, it can feel really isolating and like nobody feels like you do. These events are great, not only to find out what’s on in your local area and get some support but also to meet other new parents and build up your support network.”
– Lottie, Leo’s