Young families enjoy special seaside picnic

Jake White and his favourite cuddly toy at the FNP teddy bears’ picnic. Picture: courtesy of ECCH (Image: courtesy of ECCH)

The event was organised by East Coast Community Healthcare's Family Nurse Partnership (FNP) for babies and toddlers whose start in life was helped along by one of the family nurses.

Little ones arrived at South Beach, next to Claremont Pier in Lowestoft, clutching their favourite teddy bears.

The event also included a sandcastle competition and paddling pool for splashing, while mums got the chance to chat and share experiences.

The Family Nurse Partnership is a voluntary home visiting programme for first time young mums, aged 19 years and under in the Waveney area.

Jake White takes part in the FNP sandcastle competition. Picture: courtesy of ECCH (Image: courtesy of ECCH)

ECCH's family nurse supervisor, Nicole Hobson, said: 'Teenage parents often feel judged and stigmatised, and find it difficult to access community services, so they can often feel lonely and isolated.

'We wanted to show these young mums what a great day they can have down on the beach – for free. It's very easy to stay indoors when your child is tiny and your friends may still be at college or school. But young children love playing in the sand and we wanted to show them what's on offer on their doorstep.

'Each year we host an event to bring together present and past parents and children and give them a chance to chat, share their experiences and build friendships, as well as celebrating their own achievements in being the best parents they can be.'

The partnership has been developed over the past 30 years, originating in the USA. It began in England in 2007. It aims to enable young families to have a healthy pregnancy, improve their child's health and development, plan their own futures and achieve their aspirations and goals. There are now more than 80 sites across England offering places to more than 10,000 families.

Sophia Jones gets busy building sandcastles at the teddy bears’ picnic. Picture: EAST COAST COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE C.I.C (Image: courtesy of ECCH)

This year marks a double celebration for the families and FNP team as Suffolk County Council has announced it will continue to commission the service until 2019.

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Fun in the sand for Taliah Church. Picture: courtesy of ECCH (Image: courtesy of ECCH)

Sandcastle fun for three year old Jackson Woods. Picture: courtesy of ECCH (Image: courtesy of ECCH)