AN NSPCC project which helps military and civilian parents prepare for a baby has celebrated its successful first full year.

Baby Steps is an ante and postnatal education programme which has had 133 referrals from military and civilian families based in and around the area since it began in the summer of 2016.

It meets at the Almond Tree Project, in Catterick Garrison, where it yesterday celebrated Christmas with a party.

The NSPCC said pregnancy and the first few weeks after a baby’s birth are a good time to reach out to new parents, as babies are developing rapidly and their development is heavily influenced by the wellbeing of their parents.

Kathryn Talbott an NSPCC social worker at Catterick Service Centre, The Almond Tree Project said: “Often we hear from our service users that they can feel adrift, swamped by emotional and financial worries when they first learn they are to become parents and feel that they don’t have the support they need in preparing to welcome their little one.

“Baby Steps is there for parents in the run up to the birth of their baby and afterwards. It’s designed to help prepare people for becoming parents, not just for the birth itself.”

One of those who benefited from the Baby Steps project, who did not wish to be named, said: “It’s been really nice to have somewhere to look forward to coming to – to get up and get out for.”

Another stated: “The best thing about Baby Steps is getting educated and the facts – I did not have a clue – everyone tells you stuff but you don’t know what’s an old wives’ tale or what help is available and where to go.”

To add to the celebrations, there was an early Christmas present for staff and families at The Almond Tree Project with news that the garrison centre is to receive half of a £225,000 grant, spread over three years, by the Army charity - the Army Central Fund - with the remainder allocated to the NSPCC Tidworth Service Centre in Wiltshire.

The announcement was made by Lieutenant Colonel Julian Panton, Secretary of the Upavon-based Army Central Fund.

Lt Col Panton said: “We have had a long relationship with the NSPCC centres in Catterick and Tidworth, and we are very keen to continue providing support for the important work they do with the army community.”