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I'm Mel and I'm delighted to launch PANDAS Hitchin.
The group runs every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month, 10:00 – 11:30.
I started the Hitchin PANDAS group because I'm passionate about supporting people that have had or are having pregnancy and birth difficulties. I already volunteer on one of the other Pandas services and it felt right to take the leap to in-person peer support too.
My other hat outside of Pandas is as a Counsellor with a specialism in Birth Trauma, and so I love that my volunteering keeps me in touch with other volunteers that understand and are as passionate as me.
PANDAS Hitchin takes place at Hitchin Youth Trust. It is located right next to Walsworth Road Baptist Church. You can enter via the same drive way as the church. Sadly we aren't allowed to park in the church car park, but we do have a limited number of spaces outside of the building. If you can't get parked in the car park, there is a public car park next door called Woodside Car park. If you do park in Woodside car park, If you have one, would recommend popping your baby/babies in their pram/carrier/sling, because although it's not far to walk, it is a bit far to carry a car seat. If you are arriving by bus and it drops off on Hermitage Road, it is a 7 minute walk to us. If you are coming in by train, we are an 11 minute walk from the train station.
The Door to the building will be open and hopefully myself or Emilie, our sparkly new volunteer will be there to meet you. If the session has started, do come on in. We will be in the room on the left. There is plenty of room to park buggies inside. We do have onsite toilets and changing facilities, but the venue does ask everyone to take used nappies home.
Once you get to us, you will receive a very warm welcome and most importantly a cup of tea or coffee. Feel free to bring a travel cup for your drink. As we are a new group, we are really interested in what our guests would like us to offer. For some people it might just be a space to talk about what's happening for you. For others you might like to do a bit of crafting as you talk. Emilie and I would love to arrange little workshops such as baby massage and we are open to suggestions.
If coming along feels a bit daunting, you are very welcome to bring a friend or partner. If you have children, they are of course welcome to join you too.
We look forward to welcoming you to Pandas Hitchin. Mel and Emilie
