Groups

At Aspire Foundation, we offer a wide range of groups and community sessions across our Children and Family Centres in Cheltenham and Tewkesbury. These groups are designed to support children’s early development, strengthen family relationships, and help parents and carers feel connected, informed, and supported. Whether you are looking for a play session, a chance to meet other families, or targeted support for a specific need, our groups provide a welcoming space for everyone.

Groups play an important role in the Early Help offer in Gloucestershire, giving families opportunities to access support early, build confidence, and connect with local services. Many of our groups are open access, meaning you can simply come along, while others are targeted and can be accessed through a referral.

Why Groups Matter

Group sessions offer families a range of benefits, including:

• Opportunities for children to learn, play, and explore

• Social interaction with other children and families

• Support from trained practitioners

• Access to advice on child development, routines, behaviour, and more

• A sense of community and belonging

• A safe, friendly environment to share experiences

Families often tell us that attending groups helps them feel less isolated, more confident, and more connected to their local community.

Types of Groups We Offer

We run a variety of groups across our centres, including:

• Stay and Play sessions

• Targeted Family Time

• Young Parents groups

• Baby Hubs (delivered by the Health Visiting Service)

• Stay & Weigh

• Dad Matters

• Mothers in Mind

• Young Carers groups (in partnership with Gloucestershire Young Carers)

Each group is designed to support families in different ways, from early development and bonding to emotional wellbeing and peer support.

Baby Hubs

Our Baby Hubs are delivered by the Health Visiting Service and take place at several of our Children and Family Centres. These drop‑in sessions offer parents and carers the chance to:

• Have their baby weighed

• Ask questions about feeding, sleep, routines, and development

• Receive advice from Health Visitors

• Access support in a relaxed, friendly environment

Baby Hubs are ideal for new parents looking for reassurance, guidance, or a chance to meet other families with young babies.

For more information, click here.

Family Time

Family Time sessions run weekly at each of our Children and Family Centres and offer a fun, engaging space for children and their families to socialise, learn, and play together. These sessions include a wide range of activities such as:

• Arts and crafts

• Messy play

• Sensory exploration

• Outdoor play in our centre gardens

• Story time and songs

A Community Family Worker is always available during Family Time to offer advice on topics such as:

• Toilet training

• Sleep and routines

• Weaning

• Behaviour

• Early development

Family Time is open to all families with children aged 0–5 and is a great way to build confidence, strengthen relationships, and enjoy quality time together.

👉 Contact us to find out more.

Life is on the up now; things feel easier and I’ve got the confidence to change things.

Young Carers

Aspire Foundation is commissioned by Gloucestershire Young Carers (GYC) to run the Cheltenham Junior Young Carers Group. This group meets weekly at our Oakwood Children and Family Centre and provides:

• A safe space for young carers to socialise

• Opportunities to make friends

• Peer support from others with similar experiences

• Structured activities and games

• Emotional support from trained staff

Young carers often take on responsibilities at home that can feel overwhelming. This group gives them a chance to relax, have fun, and feel understood.👉 Visit the Gloucestershire Young Carers website to learn more.

Stay and Play Sessions

Stay and Play sessions are open to all families with children aged 0–5. These sessions offer:

• Free play opportunities

• Activities that support early learning

• A chance for parents to meet others

• Support from our Community Family Workers

• A relaxed environment for children to explore

Sessions run across Cheltenham, Tewkesbury, and Brockworth as part of our Spring/Summer Term provision.

👉 Check our calendars for full details.

Sessions will run across Cheltenham and Tewkesbury (including Brockworth). There are Stay and Play sessions available to all children 0-5 and their parents/carers.

Targeted Sessions

Some groups are designed for families who may benefit from more focused support. These sessions can be accessed by completing our referral form.

Targeted groups may include:

• Support for children with additional needs

• Emotional wellbeing groups

• Behaviour support sessions

• Family Time Plus

• Groups for parents needing extra guidance

REFERRAL FORM

Young Parents Group

Our Young Parents Stay and Play group supports parents and expectant parents aged 25 and under. This friendly, inclusive group offers:

• Free soft play

• Access to our sensory room

• Weekly craft activities

• Baby play areas

• A snack and drink for children

• Opportunities to meet other young parents

• Support from an experienced Family Support Worker

The group is designed to help young parents build confidence, connect with others, and access advice on parenting, routines, relationships, and more.

📍 Gardners Lane Children and Family Centre 📅 Thursdays, 10:00–12:00

We may also be able to support families with transport from outside the Cheltenham area.

👉 Contact us to find out more.

Find Out More

To see what’s happening this term, please check our centre calendars. These are updated regularly and include:

• Group timetables

• Parenting courses

• Workshops

• Drop‑ins

• Seasonal activities

If you’re unsure which group is right for you, our team is always happy to help.