Parents and parents-to-be in Hitchin will soon have a new place to find support, connection and advice thanks to the launch of Hitchin Parent Hub.

The initiative – created by local parenting experts Rachel Childs and Amy Jappy – will run free weekly drop-in coffee mornings every Wednesday from 9.30am to 11am at Granello Lounge on Brand Street. There's no booking required, with mums, dads and expectant parents all welcome to come along, enjoy a coffee and chat with others in the same stage of life.

Each week, at least two perinatal and parenting specialists from a roster of more than 20 local experts will be available to answer questions and signpost families to further support.

The line-up includes:

• Emma Anderson-Brown of Fuel for Mama (hypnobirthing and perinatal trauma resolution)
• Bally Lidder of Lidder Therapies (pre and post-natal physiotherapy)
• Michelle Grant (doula and antenatal educator)
• Emma Tourle of Babu Birth (yoga, baby massage and antenatal support)
• Anna Kwan of Core Confident (core rehabilitation)
• Emma Mutter (vocal coach and leader of Singing Mamas groups)
• Emma Stott of TinyTalk (baby signing)
• Lucy French (lactation consultant)

Hitchin MP Alistair Strathern will also drop in on Tuesday 24th September to meet local families and hear first-hand about their experiences of maternity and paternity as the government considers future parental policy.

Rachel Childs, a relationship coach and founder of Parents that Work, said: "Our aim is to create a space where parents can come together, find community and access advice from trusted professionals. We've made it free and flexible so we can support as many people as possible."

Amy Jappy, a therapist who specialises in birth trauma, added: "We've been delighted by the response from our local experts who were keen to get involved. With such a variety of professionals on board, we hope to provide valuable free help and advice to parents in Hitchin."

The first Hitchin Parent Hub coffee morning takes place this Wednesday, with sessions running weekly throughout the autumn.