News

It’s back and this year the popular local buggy walking group ‘Buggy Buddies’ kicks off on Tuesday 16th April.

Led by NHS Western Isles’ Health Visiting Team, Buggy Buddies is aimed at parents and carers of babies and toddlers in buggies, prams, or carriers, and meets weekly throughout the summer months.

The group meet at Porter's Lodge beside Stornoway Golf Club car park at 12 midday every Tuesday, as group organiser Elaine MacMillan expands: “Buggy Buddies is open to all parents and carers, and is free to attend.

“This welcoming and relaxed group is a great way for baby to get fresh air within our beautiful Castle Grounds, whilst parents and carers have an opportunity for some gentle exercise together as well as increasing their parent and baby bonding time.”

Elaine added: “Walking can improve wellbeing, improve fitness and promote good mental health. We hope that the group will give new parents and families opportunities for social interaction with others, and help them to take positive steps to improving their own mental and physical health.

“During the walks we see the potential for new friendships being forged, which is particularly beneficial for parents of similarly aged children to their own. Developing supportive social networks with one another can help them cope with the challenges of parenting.”

Walks will be facilitated by a Health Visitor from NHS Western Isles and kindly supported by local Action for Children staff.

For more information contact the NHSWI Health Visiting Team on (01851) 709842 or email wi.nps@nhs.scot