June 2011
'Bleeping Babies' for North Manchester young people
Five young people from the North Manchester
Centre had a taste of what it takes to look after a baby when they
went on residential.
The 'Bleeping Babies', purchased courtesy of a grant
from The Big Lottery Awards for All, are used on residential stays
to give young people experience of looking after a young baby. The
very realistic babies cry when they are due to be fed, when their
nappy needs changing and when they need comfort - just like a real
baby.
The one night residential stay was an eye opener, literally, for
these five young people. In fact their eyes were open for longer
than usual as they managed the night feeds and nappy changes!
Adele King, Development Tutor, said
It was a brief period for the young people to
take charge of the babies, but we also spent some time on the
course talking about the choices that the young people have and the
consequences of their actions. They young people handled the babies
well during the residential stay, but for most of this group I
think one night was enough!
The Bleeping Babies will have several 'foster parents' over the
coming months as they are a resource available to our three North
West Centre - North Manchester, Salford and Liverpool.