OUR STORY
The Pregnancy and Parents Centre (PPC) is a local, independent charity overseen by a group of voluntary trustees. Staff, facilitators, practitioners and volunteers run the Centre day-to-day. The PPC believes that supportive networks, a strong sense of community and strong family cohesion are invaluable during the transition from pregnancy to parenthood and beyond. Together, they contribute to positive mental health and wellbeing by increasing confidence and reducing anxiety, isolation and stress.Â
Through a timetable of groups, drop-in sessions, workshops and courses, the PPC aims to be open and welcoming, and provide much-needed emotional support, information and practical help.
OUR AIMS, VALUES AND OBJECTIVES
Aims
To enable parents-to-be and new parents to have access to education, information, practical resources and support during this important time in families’ lives.
To work proactively to provide equal access to parents or families experiencing social exclusion or inequality
To enable and encourage parents-to-be and new parents to develop supportive networks which sustain and strengthen family and community relationships.
To involve parents and parents-to-be in the running of the Centre.
Objectives
Developing programmes of classes, drop-in sessions, support groups and workshops which meet parents-to-be and parents’ needs.
Providing resources and practical help such as a library, demonstrations about real nappies/slings, equipment hire e.g. birthing pools, maternity and baby clothes nearly new sales.
Working to increase access to our services by running outreach sessions for a range of different communities.
Supporting individual parents through one-to-one work and counselling.
Providing opportunities for parents to develop friendship networks and feel part of a community of support through drop-in sessions, group support, helping with fund-raising events and volunteering in the Centre.
Our Values
People make the best choices for themselves and their families when they have balanced and comprehensive information, non-judgemental support and confidence in themselves.
Normal birth and breastfeeding should be supported where possible.
Parents’ different circumstances and choices around birth and parenting should be respected.
Supportive networks and a sense of community is invaluable during the transition from pregnancy to parenthood and contributes to positive mental health and wellbeing.
MEET THE OFFICE TEAM
VAL INNES
PPC Coordinator
Val started working with the PPC as an admin assistant when her children were little. She never left and is now our coordinator; overseeing the operations of the Centre on a day-to-day basis and reporting to our wonderful board of volunteer trustees.
She has two (nearly grown) children (both of whom came to groups at the PPC when they were little). Val's favourite thing is swimming every day and pottering around with plants.
ANISA BARRETT
Admin & Finance
The PPC has been part of Anisa's life since becoming a mum; her children came to music classes and Anisa joined our team on her return to work when it was right for their family. Anisa's lovely personality, warm nature and not to mention her amazing organisational skills help our office thrive.
In Jan 2025 Anisa will take on additional duties as finance admin too! Not to mention our Book Bug Volunteer too! What a woman.
CHLOE BUCHAN
Admin Support
Chloe first came to the PPC when she was looking for Breastfeeding Support. Once motherhood allowed her the space to take on a couple of hours work, Chloe joined us to keep the centre looking clean, tidy and welcoming. We were delighted to be able offer Chloe a wider role as admin assistant as she felt able to take on more hours and her kind, fun and open manner means our families feel really welcome and looked after when coming to the centre. Chloe is starting to take more of a role in marketing and social media so look out for amazing posts!