A NEW baby group has been launched in Halstead after a town mum received grant funding.

Eastlight Community Homes has, along with others, helped fund the new baby group Sunnybabies.

Halstead mum and Eastlight resident Emily Hume, owner of Sunnydays Baby and Toddler Group CIC, already runs two other parent and toddler groups, and decided to start Sunnybabies after noticing parents of newborns – attending the other groups – feeling overwhelmed.

The new group provides a welcoming environment and a listening ear, as well as expert speakers which focuses on various subjects, ranging from post-natal depression to sleep.

Emily recently received grants from Eastlight, Halstead Town Council, and Gosfield Golf Club to fund Sunnybabies and support families in need of a helping hand.

She said: “It’s such a lovely community – we know people can be nervous to attend groups, but everyone is welcome.

“I want people to walk into an environment and feel welcomed, not judged.

“It’s good for parents moving into the areas – it creates connections."

The toddler groups meet at Halstead Baptist Church every Wednesday, and Gosfield Village Hall every Thursday morning.

The new Sunnybabies group - from pregnancy to six months old - meets at the Queen's Hall, in Halstead, on a Friday afternoon.

Entry to the Sunnydays and Sunnybabies groups is £4 per family however those struggling to pay are still welcome.

Eastlight spokesman Joanne Jackson said: "We love seeing our residents doing incredible things, affordable support for parents is vital."

Emily’s community contributions led to her being named 'Outstanding new volunteer' at the Braintree District Volunteer and Active Braintree Awards last year.

“I absolutely love doing it,” Emily said.

For more information, visit Sunnydays Toddler and Baby Group on Facebook, or call 07950 839155