The Branch, within the community, is committed to co-create groups such as Melody Dads and Family Melody Makers.
Melody Dads started with a small group of parents who really wanted to make a difference for each other and develop a place of peer support and encouragement. We have practically supported the sessions and made their ideas happen. As each group of parents moved on, we have then held the space for new parents to step into these roles.
We can have bacon sandwiches, baby weighing, free vitamins, music and toys, but the care and feeling of ownership within the members is the most important aspect of each group.
Previously our Saturday Melody Dads, and now Family Melody Makers have struggled with numbers of people wanting to be part of these sessions. We have noticed this change since COVID and need to create the momentum to bring back something special for these sessions.
After much discussion and deliberation, we have decided to close the Saturday group temporarily and re-launch one of the groups in September (either Melody Dads or Family Melody Makers). By listening to parents on the group we hope to find a core group of committed parents who would be excited to work with us. We feel sad to spend time away from these sessions, but excited at what we might see emerge in September.