WALK into St Jude’s Church, Southsea, on a Wednesday morning, and it will be full of babies, toddlers and their parents.

Craft activities, toys, puzzles and games are scattered through the nave, tea and coffee are being served to parents – and later on they’ll all gather for songs and stories. This is Little Tiddlers, which attracts dozens of families each week.

It was launched after the pandemic, from 10am-11.30am each Wednesday in term-time, and is run by children’s ministry enabler Bethan Fogell and volunteers. It’s a great way of linking church and families, which echoes Growing Faith.

Bethan said: “It’s fantastic to see the church transformed into a space that looks so attractive for the under-fives each week, and that so many families come along.

“We have some amazing volunteers who develop relationships with these families. Many of them have had children themselves, and so can offer advice and support to anyone struggling.

“We also have an opportunity to share something of God’s love with them through our songs and stories, and by inviting families to other church activities where they’ll hear more about faith.”