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June 2025

Welcome to your June newsletter!

We are feeling the summer mood this month, with sunny weather recently and the school holidays only a few weeks away.

With summer and school breaks, come lots of free opportunities for families to get out and about across the Bradford District, especially in this Bradford 2025 City of Culture year! In this month's newsletter we've gathered together a selection of some of the free events available to families. 

We also have a range of opportunities to help keep families happy, healthy and safe, provided by the Family Hubs and other trusted organisations across the district. 

As always we include helpful information for professionals, and our ever-popular links to the Family Hub timetables, as well as useful pages on the FYI (Families and Young Persons Information) website.

Please take a look and share the newsletter with anyone who might find it useful.

Next stop for The Beacon touring venue - Keighley

Bradford 2025's fantastic touring venue, The Beacon, is moving to its next venue in July. 

From 10 July to 10 August, the moveable venue will be installed at Cliffe Castle Park in Keighley, bringing a range of free and ticketed events for people of all ages. 

Free highlights for families will include:

• Big Beacon Family Welcome - Saturday, 12 July, 1pm to 4pm - a FREE family fun day with workshops, activities and performances. 
• LOUD & PROUD Dhol Drumming - Saturday, 19 July, 12:30-2pm - FREE drumming workshop with Punjabi Roots.
• Play Bradford’s Mobile Adventure Playground - FREE - 4 dates available: Thursday, 24 July, Friday, 25 July, Wednesday, 30 July, and Sunday, 10 August. All sessions are from 12pm-2pm.
• Let’s Make - Monday, 28 July and Sunday, 10 August, 10am to 2:30pm - FREE art and craft session for all ages.
• Little Explorers, Festival of Archaeology - Wednesday, 30 July, 10.30am - FREE interactive stay and play for ages 0 to 5, themed around archaeology and digging.
• Celebrating Culture - Thursday, 31 July from 12 noon, with activities for children and all the family to enjoy. Free to attend. Celebrate all the culture and creativity that South Asian Culture brings to Keighley. 
• The MEGA Drawing Box in the Park - Wednesday, 6 August, FREE creative session for all ages. 
• STATUESQUE - Saturday, 9 August, from 11am - FREE art making workshop and parade for all ages

There is lots more listed on the Beacon website - take a look to find out more. 

Baby Massage with the Family Hubs

If you or someone you know is:

• struggling to connect with your baby, or would like to strengthen your bond
• finding it difficult to calm your baby
• feeling worried or sad as a parent/carer of a baby under 6 months
• would like to boost your self confidence in parenting

Then this free 5 week baby massage course could help.

Dates and venues are listed below.

Keighley and Shipley area - Trinity Centre, John Escritt Road, Bingley

• Monday, 30 June until Monday, 28 July
• Monday, 7 July until Monday, 4 August

Bradford East area - Barkerend Family Hub, Barkerend Road, Bradford

• Friday, 18 July until Friday, 15 August 

Bradford West area - Farcliffe Family Hub, Toller Lane, Bradford

• Monday, 28 July until Monday, 25 August
• Monday, 28 July until Monday, 25 August

Further sessions to follow, including more sessions in Bradford South from September.

Free to attend but booking is essential. Find out more on the FYI website. Baby Massage with the Family Hubs.

Chit Chat group marks Mental Health Awareness Week

To mark the recent Mental Health Awareness Week, Farcliffe Family Hub's Chit Chat group - a community group for parents and carers in the local area - came together for a relaxed and friendly session focused on connection and wellbeing.

The group of 12 mums took time out of their busy lives to share stories and tips on looking after their mental health, within a safe space to talk and support one another.

Rukhsana Rasib, Family Navigator for Bradford West, started the group from scratch over two years ago and has developed a wonderful, trusted relationship with the community.

Activities are available during the chit chat group sessions. During this session, there were activities that promoted gratitude, future aspirations and thinking mindfully with the aim of helping to reduce feelings of isolation. The parents and carers who attended found opening up to others during the activities was a reminder of how powerful a simple conversation can be. 

Photos show scenes from the Chit Chat group and the creative outputs on display on community boards at the hub. 

Groups such as the Chit Chat group, and others across all the family hub areas, are listed on the Family Hub timetables. Why not take a look and see what's happening near you?

New dates and times for Maternity Circles  

From the beginning of July, Family Action is launching their two Maternity Circles from new venues. This also involves a change of day and timings for the sessions, in response to feedback from families.

• In Bradford East, the CP5 Maternity Circle will move to Tuesdays, 10am to 12 noon, at Community Works, Undercliffe Lane, Bradford, BD3 0DW. These weekly sessions will start on 1 July.
• In Bradford West, HCHC Maternity Circle will move to Thursdays, 10am to 12 noon, at the Millside Centre, Grattan Road, Bradford BD1 2HS. These weekly sessions will start on 3 July.

The maternity circles are informal and drop-in sessions, there is no need to arrive at the start or stay for the whole session, and families can attend as often as they like. Every session has a warm welcome, drinks and refreshments for parents and children, information and support, and a chance to chat to other families and make new friends!

Maternity Circles are for pregnant families at any stage of the pregnancy, and for those families with children under the age of 2. We would love to see you at either (or both!) of our exciting new venues, and we look forward to continuing to support and help families in this important stage of their lives.

Maternity Circles across the district

Did you know that there are lots of Maternity and Baby Circles running all across Bradford District. Take a look at the Family Hub timetables on the FYI website to find information about a Maternity Circle session near you!

Less screen time, more play time - with 50 things

Did you know that 75% of 18 month olds are exposed to screens daily? At 50 Things to Do Before You’re Five we want to raise awareness of the screen time crisis and the impact it's having on children’s development. 

In today’s digital world, screens are everywhere. It is becoming more and more difficult to put our screens down and engage with each other. That is exactly why our ‘Less Screen Time, More Play Time’ campaign focuses on reducing screen time for children by encouraging families to play.

50 Things to Do Before You’re Five is an ideal tool designed to promote practical suggestions for screen-free playful activities such as, puddle jumping, blowing bubbles and sharing stories. All of the activities are low or no cost, perfect for families to enjoy together at home or in their local community and the best bit is, fun doesn’t have to cost you a fortune!

Ideas for families

Follow 50 things on social media - 50 Things - Facebook.

Free resources for professionals 

If you work with families, explore the offer and take a look at the free downloadable resources - 50 Things - free resources.

Play Streets - could be coming to a street near you this summer!

Are you looking for a free way to get the kids away from screens and outside in the fresh air, having fun, chatting and playing with friends?

If you live in the Bradford District, or are a community based organisation operating in the district, you can apply to the council for permission to temporarily close your street to through traffic for 1 to 3 hours.

This creates a ‘Play Street’ – a space right outside your front door where children can play and have fun with their friends! 

This initiative is ideal for side streets and cul-de-sacs. Now is a great time to apply in advance of the summer holidays, and/or for National Play Day on Wednesday, 6 August, to allow time for processing your application. 

For more information about Play Streets, including details of how to apply visit Bradford Council's website: Play Streets.

You can also find a Frequently Asked Questions page here: Play Streets frequently asked questions.

Free kids' car seat checking across the Bradford District

Are you confident your child's car seat is well fitted and is keeping your child safe in your car?

Bradford District's road safety team, and Good Egg Safety, are going on tour across Bradford and Keighley over the next few months, to offer free checks for your child's car seat - and help put your mind at ease.

Upcoming dates are:

• JULY: Morrisons, Victoria Shopping Centre (Girlington)
  Tuesday, 8 July 2025, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
  
  
• JULY: Asda Rooley Lane (Bradford)
  Thursday, 31 July 2025, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
  
  
• AUGUST: Keighley Asda (Bingley Street, Keighley)
  Wednesday, 13 August 2025, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
  
  
• OCTOBER: Morrisons, 5 Lane Ends (Idle, Bradford)
  Monday, 27 October 2025, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Follow Good Egg Safety on Facebook to book directly onto the events so you get a reminder.

All the events are also listed on the FYI website in the What’s On guide. 

Home-Start Connecting Families Summer Group

We can often feel overwhelmed during our parenting journey, especially in those early years. We can be overloaded with images of ‘perfect parenting’ as we scroll social media.

The Connecting Families Group brings families and their 0-5s together in a safe and fun space to talk and chat about the reality of being a parent.

The summer sessions are running at the Thornbury Centre, BD3 0JX as follows:

• Let’s Get Brushing! on Tuesday 29 July 2025 - 10:00am – 12:00pm
• Story Sack Fun! on Tuesday 5 August 2025 - 10:00am – 12:00pm
• Sing and Play Fun! on Tuesday 12 August 2025 - 10:00am – 12:00pm
• Let’s Get Messy! on Tuesday 19 August 2025 - 10:00am – 12:00pm

Places must be booked in advance. Families can get in touch if you would like to be part of the group.

Professionals may also recommend the group to families who would benefit from the friendly group environment. 

Places can be booked via the the team on 01274 666711 or via email hsbd@homestartbradford.co.uk. 

Home-Start Bradford September Volunteer Preparation Course

Home-Start Bradford's home-visiting volunteers support families who have young children across the Bradford District.

If are interested in becoming a volunteer, Home-Start Bradford District have another preparation course for home-visiting volunteers!

The volunteer preparation course starts on Wednesday, 17  September 2025 and will run for seven weeks on Wednesdays:

• Starting Wednesday, 17 September, from 9:45am to 2:00pm
• At The Thornbury Centre, 79 Leeds Old Rd, Bradford, BD3 8JX

If you think you can spare a couple of hours every week to support a family experiencing difficult times, then please do get in touch on 01274 666711 to find out more. Be prepared to:

• Develop new skills
• Progress your career
• Improve interpersonal skills
• Have better health and well-being
• Have more self-confidence
• Put a smile on someone’s face

Visit Home-Start's website to find out more about Home-Start Bradford District and the work that they do.

Maternity services support for families 

Bradford's hospitals support families before and after your baby is born! Here are two opportunities for families from the maternity services team. 

Open day at BRI Women’s and Newborn Unit

Are you, your partner, or someone you know expecting a baby?

Maternity services at BRI (Bradford Royal Infirmary) are holding an open day this Saturday, 28 June, from 10am to 2pm, at the Women’s and Newborn Unit.

No need to book - you can just turn up. Mums and dads-to-be, and family members, all welcome.

Families who have just had a baby are also welcome, to come along and catch up with the free support and services available to you! 

Free refreshments available.

More details on Eventbrite - but remember there is no need to book. Bradford Maternity open day.

Better Births Bradford - feedback group

Could you help shape Bradford's maternity services? The midwives at Bradford Hospitals have set up a group to help improve and develop services, with families at its heart.

Better Births Bradford meet approximately every 3 months. Meetings are a mixture of face to face and virtual/online.

The next meeting will be at Barkerend Family Hub on Thursday, 10 July.

If you have had recent experience of the Bradford Maternity services and would like to get involved in the group, please contact Caroline.lamb@bthft.nhs.uk or Gina.melia@bthft.nhs.uk. 

Have Your Say on Bradford’s Health Visiting and School Nursing Services

The Institute of Health Visiting (iHV), in partnership with Bradford Council, is carrying out an insights project to better understand the experiences of families, staff, and partners involved with Bradford’s Health Visiting and School Nursing Services.

We want to hear from parents, carers and families!  

Your views will help identify what’s working well, where there may be gaps, and how the service can be improved to better support babies, children, and families across Bradford.

If you’ve had experience with Bradford’s Health Visiting or School Nursing Services, please take some time to complete our survey and share your thoughts.

>>>  Take part in the families survey  <<<

Your feedback is vital in shaping the future of these services. Thank you for your support!

Share your story and contribute to valuable research

• Are you parenting after divorce or separation?
• Do you have a 4 to 8 year old?
• Did you agree your co-parenting arrangements without going through court?

A new online study is exploring family life and children's wellbeing in different post-separation child arrangements - particularly the families who haven't been through court.

The team from the University of Edinburgh hope to hear from a range of voices to improve support for parents and children. Sign up for more information here: Expression of Interest: PADS study or email: foley@ed.ac.uk.

Further support on FYI

For families who are separating, there is helpful advice and support on the FYI (Families and Young Persons Information) website. 

• Relationships Matter is relevant to people experiencing conflict in their relationship, whether together or separated. The page offers information about free courses and local support which may help.
• Family separation gives advice on making child arrangements, mediation and the free Separating Better app.

Holiday Activities and Food is back for summer 2025

There are more than 100 HAF holiday clubs running this summer offering a huge range of fun activities at venues across the Bradford district.

Places are free for children who live in the Bradford district and are eligible for benefits-related free school meals. Free places are also available for children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). All the children get a free healthy meal while at the club.

Places are limited and get booked up quickly, so don’t delay, see what is on offer near you and book now to avoid missing out. Holiday activities and food programme.

HAF holiday clubs are funded by the Department for Education.

In Our Place - try a taster course for free!

As parents and carers, we hope our children will be happy, sociable, and confident, but this isn't always the case. It can be worrying and stressful comforting a child who is sad, or supporting a child struggling with their emotions. 

You might have heard on In Our Place, the online library of free courses for family wellbeing, relationships and more.

Did you know there is a taster course, 'Understanding your child's feelings' which you can follow in your own time, without committing to a longer course that you might not have time for?

This taster course is aimed at parents and carers with children of all ages, including preschool, primary school age and teens. Give this course a try if you would like to:

• Reflect about your own and your child's feelings
• Better understand why your child is behaving a certain way
• Learn about the impact of parents' and carers' own behaviours 
• Hear what other parents and carers have to say - you are not alone! 

The course is available completely free to Bradford District's families. It is in English and can be translated into other languages through Google Translate.

How do I access this free course?

Understanding your child's feelings is part of the In Our Place course library.

To access this or any other any course, all you need is your Bradford District post code and the code BDPARENTS.

If you enjoy this taster course there are others you can do as a follow up - also for free!

More about In Our Place

‘In Our Place’ is an online library of free courses for everyone in the Bradford District, including families with children of all ages, during pregnancy, for teenagers (courses to follow independently), and adults. There are 17 courses, all delivered online, ‘on demand’, through a combination of interactive audio and text. You can follow them in your own time and at your own pace. Different language options are available, and the system also supports Google Translate. The courses have been created by Solihull Approach working with NHS psychology experts.  To access the courses for free, all you will need is your post code and the access code – BDPARENTS. You can register for as many courses as you want. Where to find In Our Place You can find a link directly to the In Our Place courses from the Parenting and family programmes page on the FYI (Families and Young Person’s Information) website.

Click on the In Our Place button to access the courses.  If you would like to talk to a professional, or prefer in person advice and support, you can also get in touch with our district’s Family Hubs.

Information and training
for professionals and practitioners

Join Barkerend Family Hub for a networking event and launch of a welcoming new space

Barkerend Family Hub will soon be opening a new family-friendly meeting room, outside in the garden area.

To celebrate this enhancement of its facilities, the hub would like to invite district-wide colleagues and partners to an official launch and networking event on Thursday, 17 July.

At the event you will get a chance to visit the new room and visualise how this new resource can be used by your service.

The event will include refreshments and a networking lunch. 

The room is intended as a place for district-wide colleagues and partners to meet with a single family or family member(s) that they are supporting, in a private, welcoming space. Use of this room will be free of charge to all partners when arranging meetings with Bradford District’s families.

Please find out more and RSVP (for event planning and catering numbers) on Eventbrite: Barkerend Family Hub - Room launch and partnership networking event - Thu, 17 July 2025

Choosing the room's name

Families using the hub have been involved in creating and choosing the name for the room. 

There is currently an opportunity to vote on Facebook - please get involved if you would like to - everyone is welcome to have a say! The options are Sunshine Shed, Garden Room and Daisy Den. Facebook vote

We will announce the room’s new name at the event on Thursday, 17 July.

Together Trust - FREE sleep training for professionals
Dates available from June 2025 to March 2026

'Sleep training' courses are available from the Together Trust charity, for professionals in the Bradford District and Craven, to help you advise and support families. 

These free courses will help you learn more about children's sleep disorders, the science behind sleep, and how creating a sleep plan with the family can help.

All training sessions are free, but must be booked in advance by emailing SleepTraining@TogetherTrust.org.uk.

Dates, times and how to book are on the FYI website: Sleep training for professionals.

Family Hubs and Start for Life
useful information and contacts

Latest Family Hub timetables - July 2025

Our Family Hub area timetables show the sessions and activities that are taking place for families in the coming month.

Some sessions will need booking in advance - please contact your Family Hub if you would like to book a place.

Our Family Hubs around the district

Follow us on Facebook You can follow the FYI service and all the Family Hubs on Facebook: Bradford East  Bradford West Bradford South Keighley/Shipley FYI - Families and Young Person's Information

What's on guide - on FYI

The FYI (Families and Young Person's Information) website has a What's On guide, which is kept up-to-date with events around the district for families, children and young people.

There are various filters to help you search, including by date, post code, age group and event category.

You can also search by 'key word' to find what you are interested in - just use the 'Search' function while you are on the What's On page. 

Take a look and find out what's happening near you!

Why have I received this email?

You have received this email from Family Hubs and Start for Life because you previously subscribed to receive Family Hub Information from one or more of our Family Hubs: Keighley and Shipley, Bradford East, Bradford South and Bradford West.

Stay subscribed to make sure you don't miss out on any future updates! 

If you have been sent this email by someone else, you can sign up for future emails here: