BESSIE THE BUS is on her way to Moray this week – with parents and their children being invited to climb on board the free ‘drop-in playground’.
Offering parents and carers a fun and relaxing environment to pick up new ideas and tips on play, talk and reading more with their children, it is hoped that Bessie will make a positive difference to health and happiness.
Aboard Bessie parents and carers of children in the 0-3-year-old age group can enjoy all types of fun – from interactive storytelling, song and rhyme sessions to easy craft activities.
Qualified and experienced play leaders will showcase lots of great low-cost or free activities that can fit into parents’ daily routines. The bus is part of the Scottish Government’s national PlayTalkRead campaign and is touring throughout Scotland – making seven stops in Moray throughout next week.
Acting Minister for Children and Young People, Fiona McLeod, explained: “Playing, talking and reading is all about enjoying time together with your wee one from day one.
“It can give them a better start in life and make a positive difference to their health and happiness in the future. It also helps little ones learn to play for longer therefore they become less frustrated, which means less stress for them and you.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming all the mums, dads, grandparents and carers in Moray on board Bessie. As a former librarian, I’m delighted to see so many families getting involved in the PlayTalkRead campaign by visiting Bessie.
“The bus and the PlayTalkRead website provide a wealth of inspiration as well as lots of handy tips and advice on playing, talking and reading more with your little one, which not only helps little brains grow but are simple, inexpensive and easily incorporated into your daily routine.”
Last year more than 19,600 parents and 23,800 children visited one of the 459 PlayTalkRead events held across Scotland. A massive 95% of those felt the advice the buses offered was relevant to them and more than 70% said they would play, talk and read with their children more as a result of visiting.
Bessie will be stopping at:
- Aberlour Health Centre, Aberlour – Monday 20 July, from 10am – 1pm & 2pm – 4pm
- Grant Park Car Park, Forres – Tuesday 21 July, from 10am – 12:30pm
- The Ben Centre, Burghead Rd, Kinloss – Tuesday 21 July, from 2 – 4pm
- New Elgin Primary School, Elgin – Wednesday 22 July, from 10am to 1pm and 2pm – 4pm
- High St, Elgin – Thursday 23 July, from 10am – 1pm and 2 – 4pm
- Regent Square, Keith – Friday 24 July, from 10am – 12:30pm
- High St, Buckie – Friday 24 July, from 2 – 4pm
For more information – plus lots of handy tips and advice – visit www.playtalkread.org. You can also visit the PlayTalkRead Facebook page at www.facebook.com/playtalkread or follow PlayTalkRead on Twitter @PlayTalkRead.