A parent and toddler group for parents aged under 22 has been formed in St Neots. Tickly Tots is designed to provide young parents with support from other young parents, regular access to a midwife and health visitor, and information about employment, edu

A parent and toddler group for parents aged under 22 has been formed in St Neots.

Tickly Tots is designed to provide young parents with support from other young parents, regular access to a midwife and health visitor, and information about employment, education and training options.

It has been organised by Connexions and the Youth Service with funding from the Big Boost lottery fund,

Rachel Swann, a personal adviser who helped to set up the group, said: "At Connexions, we want every young person to have the best possible start in life, and that includes young parents and their families. Providing support groups like Tickly Tots means there is always somewhere for young people to go to for advice and support."

INFORMATION: Tickly Tots takes place every Tuesday, 2-3.30pm, in the Cloisters Room of the Priory Centre, in Priory Lane. Call 01480 376013.

* COURSES to help foster carers and adoptive parents understand children's and young people's needs are to be run by Cambridgeshire County Council.

The courses cover issues such as child development, healthcare, communication, caring for children from different cultures, first aid, caring for sexually abused children, behaviour management and eating disorders. A number of courses have also been introduced to help carers meet some educational needs of children.

The training is delivered by experts in areas such as health, education, social care, child development and psychology.

INFORMATION: Anyone interested in adoption or becoming a foster carer can contact the county council's fostering and adoption team on 0845 0455203.