Parents 1st UK: Essex Services

22/06/2026

This International Fathers' Mental Health Day, we're asking the question "How Are You Actually Doing, Dad?" Because dads are often overlooked in the perinatal period. Nobody really asks how they're doing.

Becoming a dad changes everything and it's not always easy to talk about. The pressure to hold it together, changes in relationships, sleep deprivation, financial stress - it all adds up.

1 in 10 dads will experience depression or anxiety during the perinatal period. You're not alone in finding it tough. Reach out, check in on a mate, and find support.

Parents 1st has a variety of resources available on our dedicated hub for dads and partners, The Other Half Hub (https://parents1st.org.uk/the-other-half-hub). Our mission is to ensure you never feel alone or overwhelmed, offering resources and peer support to help you navigate this transformative period.

The Other-Half Hub is here to support you through the highs and lows, whether you're dealing with feelings of isolation, anxiety, or concerns about finances and housing.

Follow the link below to read our blog on supporting dads this International Fathers' Mental Health Day:
https://parents1st.org.uk/activity/international-fathers-mental-health-day-2026

21/06/2026

Happy Father’s Day to all dads!🌟

Today we celebrate not only dads, but all the father figures who show up with care, love and guidance — stepdads, grandads, uncles, carers, partners and mentors. Your presence matters more than you know.

Supporting others doesn’t mean you don’t need support yourself. Being a dad or father figure can be challenging, with sleepless nights, work pressures and the responsibility of caring for others. It’s okay not to have all the answers, and it’s okay to ask for help.

💙 To every dad and father figure:
Your mental health matters.
Your wellbeing matters.
You don’t have to be perfect.

This Father’s Day, let’s make space for understanding, support and open conversations. When dads and father figures feel supported and heard, families and communities grow stronger together 🤍

18/06/2026

Join us this summer for our Summer Strollers Social — a relaxed, friendly walk and talk meet-up for parents in Rayleigh 🤍

This is a welcoming space to connect with other parents who understand the ups and downs of pregnancy and early parenthood. Whether you’d like to chat, share experiences, ask questions or simply enjoy some fresh air with your baby, you’ll be met with warmth and understanding.

Come as you are, walk at your own pace, and stay for as long as you like. Expect friendly conversation, support and encouragement along the way. Older children are very welcome to come along too.

👶 Who it’s for:
Pregnant parents and parents with babies up to 1 year old.

🌿 Summer Strollers Social – walk & talk meet-ups

📅 Dates:
• Tuesday 14 July
• Tuesday 15 September

⏰ Time:
11:00am–1:00pm

📍 Location:
King George V Park walk
(Meet at Audley Mills Surgery park entrance, Rayleigh, SS6 8JD)

💛 Cost:
FREE — no need to book, just come along!

Delivered by Parents 1st UK — supporting parents, one step at a time.

17/06/2026

📢 We’re hiring! Join the Parents 1st UK team 📢

We’re looking for a Marketing Assistant (Maternity Cover) to join us and help share the work we do supporting families across Essex.

📍 Location: Essex (home-based with occasional travel)
⏰ Hours: 15 hours per week (flexible, must include Tuesdays & Thursdays)
💷 Salary: £13.85 per hour
📅 Contract: Fixed term to September 2027

✨ About you
You’re creative, organised and passionate about making a difference. You’ll have at least 1 year’s marketing experience and be confident across:

Social media & paid ads
Email marketing & copywriting
Creating images and video content
Managing multiple projects with great attention to detail

💼 About the role
You’ll work closely with our Communications & Marketing Manager and another Marketing Assistant, helping to manage social media, paid ads, website content, newsletters and the promotion of courses, workshops and events.

💛 Why join us?

Be part of a supportive, values-led team
Make a real impact on families’ lives
Ongoing training & development
28 days annual leave (pro rata) + bank holidays
NEST pension scheme

📝 How to apply
Download the job description and application form, complete it offline and email it to [email protected]

🗓 Deadline: 12 noon, Tuesday 30 June 2026
📆 Interviews: Week commencing 13 July 2026

We welcome applications from everyone who meets the criteria and particularly encourage applications from people from minority groups.

📩 For an informal chat about the role, contact Nicole Ranaweera at [email protected] or call 07990 384563.

Join the Parents 1st UK team as a Marketing Assistant (maternity cover) Location: Essex (home-based with occasional travel across Essex)Hours: 15 hours pe

16/06/2026

Young Parents 1st UK🤍

Being a young parent can feel overwhelming at times. You might feel worried, exhausted, isolated, or unsure of yourself — and that’s OK. You don’t have to go through it alone 💛

Young Parents 1st UK offers free peer support for young parents across Essex during pregnancy and up to 24 months after birth.

✨ Personalised 1:1 support
✨ A friendly Young Parents Club
✨ Support from people who understand
✨ No judgement. Real talk. Real support.

👶 Who can access support?
• Parents or parents-to-be aged 20 and under
• Living in Essex
• Pregnant or with a child under 24 months

All genders, ethnicities and religions are welcome 🤍

📍 Young Parents Club sessions:

🗓️ 1st Monday of every month
📍Northlands Family Hub, Davenants, Basildon, SS13 1QX
🕚 11am – 12:30pm

🗓️ Last Monday of every month
📍 The Hive, Basildon United Reformed Church,
6 Honeypot Lane, Basildon SS14 2JZ
🕐 1pm – 2:30pm

🗓️ 1st Wednesday of every month
📍Essex Youth Service. 16-20 Southernhay, Basildon SS14 1FN
🕐 1pm – 2:30pm

📞 Call us on 01268 525 758
📲 Find out more or request support:
https://parents1st.org.uk/young-parents-1st-uk

13/06/2026

“Pregnancy is the only time when you can do nothing at all and still be productive.” 🤍

Growing a tiny human is work, even on the days you rest, pause, or simply get through. Be gentle with yourself, listen to your body, and remember that slowing down doesn’t mean you’re not doing enough. You already are. 💫

12/06/2026

✨ Join Our Friendly Drop-In Groups (NEW TIME)✨

We’re pleased to offer relaxed, informal drop-in sessions where parents can connect, chat, and feel supported — no booking needed, just come along 💛

📍 Rayleigh – Monthly Drop-In
🗓 Next date Thursday 18th June
📅 Then every 3rd Thursday of the month
⏰ 9:30-11:30am
📌 Oaktree Family Hub, Grove Road, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 8UA
💷 FREE – no need to book

These sessions offer a safe, welcoming space to meet other parents who understand the ups and downs of pregnancy and early parenthood. Whether you’d like to share experiences, ask questions, or simply enjoy a cuppa while your baby plays nearby, you’ll be met with warmth and understanding.

✨ Come as you are, stay as long as you like.
👶 Babies and older children are welcome.

We look forward to welcoming you 🤍

11/06/2026

New offer for our fitness class attendees! 💪

Parents 1st UK has partnered with Everyone Active to offer a FREE leisure centre pass — available only to those attending the following sessions 👇

✔ Indoor Wickford
✔ Indoor Vange
✔ Fit 4 Mums
✔ Baby Buggy Fit

Your one-time pass gives access to the gym, swimming and fitness classes at:
- Basildon Sporting Village
- Eversley Leisure Centre
- Wickford Swim and Fitness

🔹 Valid for one use only
🔹 Choose your visit date (up to 5 days after signing up)
🔹 Children under 5 swim for free (parents may need to contact the centre in advance if they don’t already have an account)

👉 Details on how to redeem your pass will be shared at your first Parents 1st fitness class session

Supporting your wellbeing, every step of the way 💙

Join a class here:

https://parents1st.org.uk/antenatal-and-postnatal-fitness-session