Fundraising May Fair for young mums group

1.00.29pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 4th May 2007

A new support group launched by Richmond Council to help young mums succeed in work and education is staging a May Fair fundraiser next Wednesday (May 9).

The group, which meets weekly at Whitton Community Centre, Percy Road, provides IT facilities, a crèche and a social network for mothers aged between 16 and 24. Some of the mums are at college but do not have computers at home and cannot take their children to public IT facilities. It was set up with cash from the Youth Opportunities Fund but needs extra money to expand and introduce life skills activities and exercise classes. The fair runs from 1pm to 4pm at Whitton Community Centre and is open to all, with face painting, a raffle, and sales of food and children's clothes. Admission is free.

Cllr Malcolm Eady, Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Education, said:??"Bringing up children is a challenge for anybody but young parents can face extra pressures when trying to keep engaged with training or education. This excellent group allows them time to catch up on coursework, while their children are being looked after. They can also access advice and healthcare information and share their experiences with fellow mums. I hope people come along to the May Fair and help support this valuable community project."