THERE was shock and disappointment in Crediton earlier this month when it was announced via social media that the Crediton Hatchlings group, run by Devon County Council and Action for Children through the Mid Devon Children’s Centres (Culm Valley, Tiverton and Crediton), had closed.

The group, which met weekly, had been a valuable support to new mums in the area and just a few months ago those who went along were assured that it would continue.

Despite this a “Facebook” message was posted on the Mid Devon Children’s Centre (Culm Valley, Tiverton, Crediton) page this month, which read: “As you may know, we have been trying hard to find a volunteer to take over the running of the Crediton Hatchlings group.

“Unfortunately, despite much effort that has not been possible, and so this group has now come to an end.

“If someone in the community would like to take the group on, we would still love to hear from them.

“We know that the early days with a baby can be challenging; if you would like any help or support, please do call the Crediton office on 01363 777219, or the Mid-Devon hub on 01884 250449, or visit our website to find a self-referral form.”

On the page there were many replies: Faye Edlin-Benwell, commenting: “This is so disappointing. The drop-in sessions are vital for new parents to make new friends and ask advice. It also helps new parents with not feeling alone. I think there needs to be questions about why the service has stopped.”

Catherine Fox commented: “Not really a reminder as we weren’t told this at the last session of 2018, there was lots of ‘see you in January’ talk!”

Speaking to the “Courier”, mum Holly Holmes said: “It was a big shock and very disheartening to find out via ‘Facebook’ that the group had been cancelled.

“When we had our last session in December, there were all smiles and ‘see you next month’. I feel they have closed it this way so we do not get to have any chance (like last time of discussing it with a hopeful resolution).

“I cannot stress the importance of the group, personally I found new motherhood very overwhelming, so to be able to go along and sit/listen/discuss what I was feeling /happening to other mothers who are in the same boat (time wise as it’s specific for babies 0-9 months) and with a professional to hear too (without noting your every thought down - making me feel free’er to openly talk) is just so valuable and helped my mental health. If I had stayed home, looking at the same four walls who knows where I’d be.

“Not only by ‘closing’ the group via ‘Facebook’ is terrible enough, I’ve made a lot of friends there but have never needed to have the conversation about sharing telephone numbers etc so we could meet elsewhere, so now how am I going to see them?

“One lady in particular offered me a lot of support and I was looking forward to seeing her again after the festive break now I do not know when this will be. And yes lots of others are on social media, which is great for contacting each other easier, however how do other new mums contact us for some friendly mum-to-mum advice /friendships?

“Since the last effort to keep the group going I had seen plenty of new mums attending the class, thinking to myself it shows how valuable and important it is to have a drop-in session.

“For the little amount this group costs to run not being able to find the budget but spend it on astronomical costs like London fireworks and other non-necessary things is appalling and very annoying.”