A COMMUNITY group set up to offer fun play sessions for tots and support women suffering from postnatal depression is celebrating its first birthday.

Last August mother-of-four Lynn Hammel, from Langley Park set Clart About, offering sessions for children in Sacriston and Consett.

She is now expanding the non-profit organisation to community venues in Ushaw Moor and Langley Park and is looking for more places to visit across north Durham.

Miss Hammel and her team offer messy play, soft play, dancing and movement sessions as well as cooking for kids and arts and crafts.

Sessions are aimed at children aged from six months to 12 years old.

She said: “I am very excited. Personally, for me it has allowed me to stay at home while my children have been little. There have been ups and downs but it has been great.”

Miss Hammel is also looking to work with doctors and medical centres to support woman who may be suffering from postnatal depression as she suffered from the condition herself.

She said: “We did a survey at some groups and it is more widespread than you might think but there is a stigma in talking about it.

“There is a realisation that new mums need to get out of the house and socialise so they do not get isolated at home with their baby.”

To find out more email clartaboutltd@gmailcom or log on to wwwfacebook.com/ClartAboutLtd