Birmingham Nanas Transform Grandparenting with Innovative Stay-and-Play Groups
Meet the new wave of Birmingham grandparents who are redefining what it means to be a nana or grandad. Far from the traditional image of a silver-haired figure quietly knitting, these active grandparents are launching a quiet revolution in family support and community building.
From Isolation to Community Connection
Tess Allen and Linda Fletcher, affectionately known as 'Fletch', founded the Nana Made Me play group in West Heath back in September 2021. Their motivation came from recognizing a significant gap in activities specifically designed for grandparents spending time with their grandchildren.
"We're not the cute, silver-haired lady giving out sweets to her grandchildren," explains Tess Allen, a 64-year-old former speech and language therapist from West Heath. "The stereotypical nana who sits and knits could not be further from the truth."
What began as simple play sessions has evolved into something much more comprehensive. The group now offers not just playtime for children but vital connection points for grandparents themselves.
Expanding Services with National Lottery Support
The impact of their work in tackling social isolation among grandparents has recently been recognized with National Lottery funding. This crucial financial support has enabled both women to leave their day jobs and focus entirely on expanding their services.
"Now we've been blessed with this National Lottery funding, we've been able to give up our jobs and offer extra support to grandparents, which is wonderful," says Tess, who has four grandchildren aged between three and ten.
Starting April 8, the stay-and-play sessions will expand to three mornings weekly at West Heath Community Centre. Additionally, the group hosts monthly evening gatherings specifically for grandparents, sometimes meeting at local pubs for a more relaxed social atmosphere.
Comprehensive Support Beyond Childcare
The group's offerings have grown to include practical workshops and educational sessions tailored to grandparents' needs. These have included:
- Menopause information workshops
- Paediatric first aid training
- Social nights at local pubs
- Member spotlight sessions where grandparents share their life stories
"Many of us are looking after grandchildren and our own parents if we're still lucky enough to have them," Tess explains. "We become a utility rather than a person. Being a grandparent can be isolating - sometimes we can go a whole day without speaking to another adult."
Creating a Supportive Community Network
The group currently serves approximately 15 grandparents daily, with the expansion potentially reaching up to 45 families weekly. While predominantly attended by grandmothers, the group welcomes grandfathers too and strives for inclusivity.
"I've never met a more compassionate group of people," Tess reflects. "The people make the group. It's wonderful, it's the best job I've ever had."
The supportive environment has proven particularly valuable during difficult times. One member found solace in the group after her husband's sudden passing, appreciating the space where she could express grief without pressure.
Addressing Modern Grandparenting Challenges
Tess highlights how contemporary grandparenting differs significantly from previous generations. Many grandparents balance part-time work with childcare responsibilities, creating what amounts to full-time commitments.
"It's very different to looking after your own kids," she notes. "You're more aware of things that can go wrong so you're saying don't do that on my watch. And, of course, you have to follow rules set by your children on parenting too."
The group provides a space where grandparents can share these experiences, with a lighthearted plaque declaring "What happens at Nanas, stays at Nanas."
Future Vision and National Potential
Looking ahead, Tess and Fletch dream of creating a social franchise model that could replicate their successful formula across Birmingham, the Midlands, and potentially throughout the UK.
"I'd love to really harness what we have here," Tess says enthusiastically. "It's such a useful resource and it's very different to a nursery, which can be quite regimented and financially driven. We say we're the fifth emergency service, providing an essential resource for our families."
While numerous stay-and-play groups exist nationwide, the Nana Made Me group believes they're unique in their specific focus on grandparents' needs and experiences. Their model demonstrates how community-led initiatives can effectively address social isolation while supporting families through intergenerational connection.
