A CHILDREN'S centre group formed by parents after council cuts is launching a series of new classes.

Grove and Wantage family community group (GroW) has announced the new classes to serve what it says is growing demand for its services.

Since being formed by parents, councillors and residents, the group has helped nearly 300 families in the OX12 postcode.

That has lead to the launch of a young parents' group for young people with children under five, an extra 'bumps and beyond' class for pregnant mums and babies and a 'stay-and-play' group for families with children under five.

The extra classes were announced yesterday at one of the new stay-and-play session at St John’s Church Hall in Grove.

Oxfordshire county councillor for Grove Zoe Patrick said: “I am delighted to congratulate the hard-working staff and volunteers who have joined with families to make this happen for our communities of Grove and Wantage."

She added: "In the light of more housing developments happening in the area, it is so important to make sure we can all meet up to socialise in such a warm and welcoming environment."

GROW was formed in response to the closure of children’s centre services in Wantage and Grove.

It has secured grants of £30,000 from Oxfordshire County Council, £10,000 from Wantage Town Council and £7,000 from Grove Parish Council

Wantage mum Sylvie Fitzgerald, who take her 18-month-old daughter Isla, said: "GROW is a great service for getting out socially and is vital to the community. I'd be lost without it, especially as my family are up North."

Natalie Mudge, also from Wantage and mother of two-year-old Evie, added: "GROW is important to allow parents access to support when their children are so young.

"I personally benefitted from the children's centre services when suffering from post natal psychosis and am pleased GROW has been established to help provide a support network for parents."

GROW manager Michelle Rozier said: "All of our groups are run by professionals who provide a variety of activities and games.

"We pride ourselves in focussing on child development as well as providing an important support network for parents and carers.

"I'm pleased to see so many people here today and look forward to ensuring GROW continues to thrive."

GROW is run as an independent group, affiliated to St John’s Church which hosts sessions.

Vicar John Durant said: "At St John’s Church we are thrilled that this important work of supporting parents by GROW has begun.

"It has been wonderful to see the community come together so positively."

The complete schedule of GroW classes on offer is:

Monday: 1pm - 2.30pm, Bumps & Beyond (The Beacon, Wantage)

Tuesday: 9.30am – 11am, Stay and Play (St John’s Church hall, Grove)

Tuesday: 11.30am – 12.30pm, Young Parents (St John’s Chruch hall, Grove)

Thursday: 1pm – 2.30pm, Bumps & Beyond (St John’s Church hall, Grove)

All groups are drop-in sessions with no booking necessary and are free to attend with donations welcome.

Unlike many similar groups, GROW aims to run all year, including school holidays.

The group is currently looking for local volunteers to help with a variety of roles on an occasional or regular basis to ensure the group remains sustainable.

Find out more at growfamilies.co.uk or get in touch via facebook.com/growfamilies.