Home-Start Blackmore Vale

07/09/2026

Tomorrow! Come along from 11am 😁

07/09/2026

**We have changed from the 2nd to the 3rd Tuesday of the month**

🌿 Maiden Newton, Walking Group – Tuesday, 15th September🌿

Looking for a lovely way to get out and about with your little one and meet other parents? Our Maiden Newton walking group is open to any parent with a child/children under 5 who’d enjoy some fresh air, friendly chats and gentle exercise - buggy friendly!

📍 Where: Rockpit Farm Walker’s Car Park, Chilfrome Lane DT2 0AX
🕙 When: Every month on the 3rd Tuesday at 9:15

For more info or to register, call or text Charley on 07842415505.
We’d love to see you there!

07/09/2026

Come along and join our free baby massage, starting 23rd September in Sturminster Newton.

A lovely experience to nurture bonding 🥰

Get in touch to book your free spot

06/09/2026

It's the little things that can really help 💜

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1471774081652609&set=a.365734232256605

Just leaving some simple ideas here to help 💜

Leave your ideas in the comments

Image description: Purple graphic with white writing reads: Simple ways to boost your mental health this week. 6 stars in different colours have a message underneath like get outside, message a friend, craft/colouring, gratitude, phone-free evening and watch a film together.

04/09/2026

Some great tips 🌟

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1482658453902231&set=a.374377401397014

🚽 Does your child feel anxious about using the toilet?

Toilet anxiety is more common than many people realise, and it can make toileting a stressful experience for children and families.

A child may develop toilet anxiety after an unpleasant experience, such as after an episode of constipation, a loud hand dryer or a strong smell. Sensory factors like bright lights, echoes, an uncomfortable toilet seat or unfamiliar environments can also play a role.

Over time, these experiences can lead to feelings of worry whenever they need the toilet. Some children may even start holding in their wee or poo to avoid going altogether, or have wee and poo accidents

💡 How can you help?
✅ Acknowledge and validate their feelings.
✅ Identify possible triggers and causes of anxiety
Create a calm, familiar, and welcoming bathroom environment.
✅ Use games, music, or pictures to make the space more comfortable.
✅ Build confidence through other self-care skills, such as handwashing or getting dressed.
✅ Break toileting into small, manageable steps and then build on this.
✅ Use distraction techniques where appropriate.
✅ Stick to predictable routines.
✅ Talk openly about anxiety and feelings.
✅ Focus on positive achievements, not just using the toilet e.g. washing of hands.
✅ Check for constipation or bladder issues, as these can make toileting more difficult and will need treatment before progress can be made. See our advice for children with constipation for more information.

📖 For more advice, practical tips, and resources on supporting children with toilet anxiety, visit the ERIC website: https://eric.org.uk/information/toilet-anxiety/

03/09/2026

Why is folic acid important?

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1505229034981294&set=a.386979156806293

Fewer than 1 in 5 women are now taking folic acid before pregnancy in England. But why is folic acid important?

Folic acid is the man-made form of folate, a B vitamin found in some food. It can be taken as a supplement.

Taking folic acid supplements helps protect your baby from developing spina bifida and other conditions that affect their spine and neural tube (NTDS). It could also help to reduce the risk of miscarriage caused by NTDs. The challenge is these defects can develop before many people realise they're pregnant.

Dr Danielle Schoenaker, an NIHR Advanced Fellow at the University of Southampton says: "Taking folic acid before pregnancy is one of the simplest and most effective steps women can take to support a healthy start for their baby."

If you or someone you know is planning a pregnancy, our free tool has everything you need to know about improving the health of your future pregnancy and baby. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3TNs5iL

02/09/2026

🌟Do you have experience of military life? Could you spare a couple of hours a week to support a local family?🌟

We are looking to recruit volunteers to support military families, working in partnership with Dorset Parent Infant Partnership and the Armed Forces Covenant.

For more info or to register, call or text Vix on 07730 218435 for an informal chat

01/09/2026

Please nominate us to be in with the chance of £1000 😁

Nominate a charity for a Movement for Good award now.

31/08/2026

Have you ever thought about volunteering?

Come along on Thursday, 24th September at 10:00am for a chat.
There is no need to book—simply drop in, we'd love to see you!

28/08/2026

Come along and join our free baby massage, starting 23rd September in Sturminster Newton.

A lovely experience to nurture bonding 🥰