News

NHS Western Isles’ Buggy Buddies walking group had its busiest period yet with the highest attendance this year.  

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

It is a group that is open to parents and carers was set up as a great way for baby to get fresh air within our beautiful Castle Grounds in Stornoway, whilst parents and carers have an opportunity for some gentle exercise together as well as increasing their parent and baby bonding time.

Parents who attended this year’s group spoke about how beneficial it was for them to have something to go along to outdoors which allowed them to meet other parents.   

This year’s group launched in April 2023 and continued right through until October due to popular demand. Now that the weather is becoming more unpredictable, the group has made the decision to stop for the rest of the year.   

NHS Western Isles Health Visitor, Elaine Macmillan, said: “Walking can improve wellbeing, improve fitness and promote good mental 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.

“We had a very good attendance all through the summer and it was our busiest group yet since commencing the project initially in 2017. We’re hoping that the friendships formed at the group will continue.” 

Buggy Buddies is hoping to recommence in Spring of 2024.