A PHARMACY in the Central West of New South Wales is proactively working to connect parents and local health experts to ensure families have support in the early stages of parenthood. Life Pharmacy Orange has created the Bub Hub, a free workshop that allows parents to interact and absorb information from an array of health specialists, such as pharmacists, nurses, and paediatric physiotherapists. The monthly meetings will cover topics specific to babies, infants, and children. “Isolation, particularly for new parents, can be really hard, so even just leaving the house for a coffee and interacting with some adults for a short time can be a game changer for self-care,” Life Pharmacy Group community engagement coordinator, Alex Wood explained. “The Bub Hub is all about connecting, self-care and highlighting the great support community pharmacy offers our local families.” Life Pharmacy Orange also offers a specialised parent’s room, which has a change table and feeding chair, as well as books, and a colouring-in station for the children. “As a mum of two, I know how important and helpful it is to connect with other new parents – it’s such a huge benefit to our mental health,” Wood said. “We want local parents to come together, have a cuppa, listen to our expert speakers, ask questions and get great tips and advice.” JG