An earlier phase of the My First 1000 Days project focused on the design and development of a centering-based group care programme for families during the first 1000 days of life.
This phase brought together researchers, practitioners, families and partner organisations to explore how a centering-based group care approach could be adapted to the Leeds context. The work focused on understanding local needs, existing services, and the practical considerations required to develop a feasible and inclusive model.
Key activities during this phase included:
- Reviewing national and international evidence on group-based approaches in the first 1000 days
- Mapping existing services, policies and provision across Leeds
- Engaging families and stakeholders to inform programme design
- Co-producing content with a focus on disability inclusion
- Developing the structure and content of the full programme model
The 8-session group care model was designed to support parents to nurture their children and themselves, and to create positive environments for early growth and development. The group care sessions explored a range of topics relevant to families during the first 1000 days, including:
- Inclusion
- Baby feeding
- Sleep
- Communication
- Parent wellbeing
- Play
- Home safety
- Daily routines
- Stress management
All sessions were designed to be disability-inclusive and informed by inclusive practice. A key aim of this phase was to explore how group-based family support could be delivered in ways that worked for families who may need additional or tailored support.
Families taking part were able to request additional support where needed. This included language translation and accessible formats, such as easy-read versions of information and resources, to support understanding and participation.
Alongside structured content, the sessions created opportunities for parents and caregivers to meet others in their local area and engage in peer support, facilitated by experienced Family Wellbeing Workers. This earlier phase contributed valuable learning about how families experience group-based support and what helps them feel confident, supported and connected.
This information relates to an earlier phase of the project and does not describe current delivery or opportunities to join sessions.
