While our older daughter Clara was born during COVID-19 lockdowns and only a month after we had moved to Edinburgh, the context of my maternity leave with our second daughter is delightfully different. During those six months I was off work with Clara, I felt extremely lonely and isolated. Today after three years in Leith, Edinburgh, luckily, I have been able to build a social network which has turned my current maternity leave with Audrey into a much more sociable and enjoyable experience. 

Dr Bell’s Family Centre has offered my girls and me a wonderful venue to meet other local parents and children and do fun activities together, such as bookbug sessions by the Scottish Book Trust, baby massage, fitness classes for mums and excursions. Dr Bell's is a family and community centre, based in Leith, Edinburgh's port area which used to be one of the capital's most deprived parts and still has pockets of poverty and social disadvantages. The centre aims to be a welcoming place where families with young children can get encouragement, support and advice in a relaxed environment. They provide universal and targeted provision for everyone and focus on the most disadvantaged. In my experience, the centre plays an important role in creating community cohesion because it brings together people of different cultures around a shared agenda – the welfare of children. 

In support of Dr Bell's Family Centre, I will take part in the Kiltwalk on 17th September and walk a half marathon together with other Dr Bell's supporters and eight-month old Audrey in her buggy. 

I would be most grateful if you donated a small amount to the family centre so that they can continue to provide their valuable community work. 

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