Yvonne Wyroslawska of Laughs & Lullabies in Stenhousemuir tells us how a Creative Lives 'Together Again' microgrant helped this music group for young children and their parents buy new instruments and cosy rugs to create a welcoming environment.

"The aim of this participatory music group is to target mums with very young children, to encourage positive maternal mental health and wellbeing.

Laughs & Lullabies music sessions also aim to build confidence through active participation in singing and music-making, encouraging bonding and communication between parent and child, and at the same time supporting the baby in its early development. We also use group singing as a tool to build a sense of community amongst participants.

One mum wrote: "I found loneliness one of the hardest things about coming a new mum. This class helped me make new friends, something that I have really loved."

The 'Together Again' microgrant from Creative Lives funded the purchase of equipment to use with the groups, which were run in conjunction with volunteers from the PANDAS charity.

We were able to purchase a cosy rug, cushions, and new instruments which were suitable for very young babies (most instruments have an age 3+ criteria). These really helped with facilitating a warm, welcoming and baby-friendly space for mums who were struggling with their mental health.

We are very grateful to Creative Lives for supporting Laughs & Lullabies."