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November 2025

Welcome to your latest newsletter!

In this month's newsletter we take a look back at a brilliant Baby Week across the Bradford District. Were you there? Take a look at our photos and find out about all the fun we had in the Family Hubs and beyond!

Also this month you can find out about lots of great sessions and support for families - during pregnancy (with a visit to BRI), for toddlers (get support with healthy teeth), and for all ages, with the fantastic Togetherness free online learning for all. 

As always, this newsletter is packed with information and support from the Family Hubs and other trusted organisations across the district. We also include our ever-popular links to the Family Hub timetables, and 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.

News for families and colleagues

What a Week! looking back at Baby Week Bradford 

Hundreds of Bradford District's families took part in a wonderful week of events for Baby Week Bradford (from 14 to 20 November), plus two warm-up events at Darley Street Market and Airedale Shopping Centre.

We would like to say a big thank you to all the families that came along to any of the events we hosted or were involved in!

We'd especially like to thank the families who were the first to have a 'sneak preview' of two new Family Hubs that will be opening soon, at Airedale Shopping Centre, Keighley, and Bevan, in Bradford.

This year’s Baby Week theme was 'Caring for you... Caring for baby', because self-care is a must when caring for your little one. Across the many events, children enjoyed activities such as sensory playtime, toys and lights, while their grown ups had a chance to experience self-care activities, or talk to a professional about what's going on.

Here are a few of the pictures from the events - there were lots more on social media shared by the family hubs, FYI Bradford (Facebook) and Better Start Bradford. 

We would also like to say a huge thank you to Better Start Bradford for coordinating Baby Week Bradford for the eighth year, and thank you to all our partners and colleagues who worked so hard to make Baby Week a big success. 

Baby Week at the Family Hubs

As well as helping make our amazing warm up events a tremendous success, the district's Family Hubs got involved by hosting a number of events across the hubs during Baby Week.

These included 'Mini Moments, Me Time' at Rainbow and Owlet, a Baby Week party at Barkerend, Mums, Bumps and Babies at Farcliffe, and a 'Takeover' at the TFD Centre, hosted by our friends at 50 Things Bradford.

Julia Guisely, Family Navigator at Bradford West Family Hub, told us a bit more about the session at Farcliffe: "We enjoyed heuristic play, recreated the recent snow with porridge oats, and popped bubbles, while parents and carers had a chance to chat with Saira, from Family Action's Perinatal Support Service."

The business support teams also got into the spirit of baby week by creating a wonderful warm welcome for all parents and carers coming into the family hub. And across all hub areas, families enjoyed the fun and support on offer. 

Did you know - sessions such as Mums, Bumps and Babies happen regularly, not just for Baby Week! To find out more, take a look at the Family Hub Timetables. 

Maternity Circles celebrate Baby Week Bradford

Baby Week Bradford 2025 (from 14 to 20 November) was a brilliant opportunity for pregnant families, and those with babies under 2 years old, to try out their local Maternity Circle.

An amazing 14 Maternity Circles happened during Baby Week. All the Maternity Circles had lovely activities happening in their sessions around the theme of “Caring for you... Caring for baby”.

Activities included designing and creating a baby vest for your baby, maternal journaling to reflect on yourself as a parent, and activities from the Big Little Moments, around connecting and interacting with your baby. Lots of Circles had opportunities to try some delicious healthy food as well.

Every Circle had a visitor from Dad Matters or Living Well, to provide additional support and ensure families found out about further support available for them.

Parents and carers had a wonderful time, and came away feeling uplifted and focused on caring for themselves as well as their baby. Everyone attending the Baby Week events is encouraged to come back and join in at future Maternity Circles sessions.

Family feedback

Don't take it from us! The Maternity Circles had some fabulous feedback from parents and carers taking part during Baby Week. 

• “I feel really refreshed now after coming to the event.”
• “I had a lot of fun designing my baby vest and enjoyed the healthy food and hand massage, thank you."
• “I really enjoyed myself today, I feel more positive and will start coming to the sessions”
• “This has been so lovely today, I’ve right enjoyed myself”
• “Can we do this again?”

Find out more

Maternity Circles are a safe, cosy space in a community venue, close to your home. Information and support about pregnancy, labour and birth, and early parenthood is available. Maternity Circles also provide opportunities to meet other families and share experiences, make new friends, and have fun!

Find out more about Maternity Circles and your local Circle sessions on the FYI website. 

Togetherness - here for tricky emotions

Are you dealing with tricky emotions?

Whether you're a mum, dad, carer, parent-to-be, grandparent or teenager, Togetherness (previously In Our Place) offers trusted online learning across a range of themes, providing support with relationships, emotional health, and parenting.

The learning focuses on supporting yourself and your family through reflection, understanding, connection and kindness, with practical advice backed by evidence and insight from NHS psychology experts.

The new Togetherness website is completely FREE to use for everyone in the Bradford District, with the access code BDPARENTS.

There are 17 free courses on a range of themes, from parenting ideas you can trust, to support for your own relationships. The courses covers all stages of family life and parenting, from pregnancy to teens, and adults too.

Find out more on the Togetherness website. You can also find Togetherness on the parenting programmes pathway on the FYI website, where you can also explore other support that is available. 

Maternity Open Day - tour the ward and get advice for your baby's birth and beyond

Expecting a baby? The next Maternity Open Day at Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI) will be on 6 December, from 10am to 2pm.

New parents also welcome to call in and say hello!

Please come along for information about services and support, including Family Hubs, the FYI (Families and Young Person's Information) website, Dad Matters, Family Action (perinatal mental health), infant feeding, the maternity circles, and more.  

Free refreshments will also be provided. 

All are welcome - please bring partners and family. No need to book for the open day.

Stork walk - tours of the birth centre and labour ward

If you would like a tour of the labour ward and birth centre while you are there, please book a slot on Eventbrite: Parent Education Team - Bradford Royal Infirmary Events. Please scroll through the listings to see all the time slots available on 6 December. 

The open day and stork walk are at the Women’s and Newborn Unit - Bradford BD9 6RJ. We look forward to seeing you there!

Walk n Talk with Dad Matters

On 8 November, Dad Matters Bradford hosted a brilliantly successful Walk n Talk at Together We Forest, a forest school in Denholme.

Louise and Mohammed, of Dad Matters, welcomed 13 dads and 17 children, all joining together to enjoy outdoor activities, bond, and share experiences. The team spoke with every dad, and it was inspiring to see new friendships forming around the fire and through shared activities.

Here’s what some of the dads had to say:

• “I’ve enjoyed meeting and talking to other dads, being outdoors and enjoying the fresh air with me son.”
• “I’ve enjoyed all the different things to use and how friendly the staff are. We would come again, my son and I really enjoyed it.”
• “I love bonding with other dads around the fire place.”

The next Walk n Talk is happing in December, with a 'festive crafts' theme. Dads with little ones are welcome! 

• Where: Peel Park Youth Hub, Cliffe Road, Bradford
• When: Saturday, 13 December  
• Time: 10am to 12 noon

Join Dad Matters for festive crafts, memory‑making, hot drinks, and sweet treats — a perfect way to celebrate the season together.

Follow Dad Matters on Facebook to keep in touch with events and news, or give Mohammed a call on 07895 803318. You can also find out more about Dad Matters on the FYI website. 

Feeder cups are the way forward, for babies over one

Did you know, by the time your baby is 1, they should be starting to use a cup for drinks instead of a bottle?

This might seem daunting if your baby is used to drinking from a bottle, but it is so important for healthy teeth as your toddler grows. Once your little one starts having solid foods, the earlier they can get used to using a cup, the better.

If you'd like to find out more, come along to a free drop-in session at Farcliffe Family Hub for:

• A free feeder cup to get you started
• Free toothbrushing pack
• Free dental checks for toddlers
• Expert advice from the oral health team, including tips on how to introduce a drinking cup

The session at Farcliffe Family Hub is on:

• Thursday, 11 December
• 10am to 3pm
• Drop in any time during these times

Further sessions will be at other family hubs in early 2026. Follow the family hubs on Facebook and check the upcoming timetables to keep up to date.

You can also get more tips and advice on the FYI website: Looking after your baby's teeth.

Spooky Smiles and Pumpkin Styles at Reevy Hill Family Hub

Last month, a 'Spooky Smiles and Pumpkin Styles' event brought children and families together for a day full of creativity, colour, and Halloween fun!

The event, at Reevy Hill Family Hub, was part of the SENDiVERSE festival for children of all abilities. 

With pumpkin carving, biscuit decorating, arts and crafts, face painting, and sensory play; every corner was filled with laughter and excitement. Children showed off their spooky smiles, proudly displaying their pumpkin designs and creative crafts.

It was wonderful to see families enjoying time together in such a fun and safe environment. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us - and to our fantastic volunteers who helped make the day so special! 

What parents and carers said:

• “Catered for all children needs for good event”
• “Lots of fun activities”
• “Welcoming venue, wheelchair friendly and inclusive”
• “All staff friendly and welcoming”

This event was part of SENDiVERSE, a week dedicated to the imagination and creativity of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across Bradford and Keighley. This was one of the many inclusive, welcoming experiences for children of all abilities that week. Through sensory play, accessible activities, and a supportive environment, we aim to ensure every child feels involved, valued, and celebrated. 

If you have a child with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), you can find out about more sessions for you and your child on the Family Hub timetables. 

Less Screen Time, More Play Time - with 50 Things!

We live in a world where screens are everywhere! But more and more, we’re seeing how too much screen time can affect young children’s development. That’s why we’re inviting families to join our “Less Screen Time, More Play Time” campaign.

The first five years of a child’s life are so important. These early years are full of curiosity, imagination and discovery. Through play, children build the social, emotional and physical skills that set the foundation for their future. When screens begin to replace play, children can miss out on important learning moments and milestones.

'Less Screen Time, More Play Time' focuses on reducing screen time for children under five and encourages parents to engage in play.

We know it’s not always easy - screens can be a quick fix on busy days - but choosing two hours of outdoor play instead of two hours in front of a device can make a huge difference to your child’s health, happiness and confidence.

Reducing screen time doesn’t have to happen overnight - every little change helps your child thrive.

Ready to start reducing your screen time?

• Check out our helpful top tips for reducing screen time at home (opens a top tips information sheet that can be printed out or read on screen).
• Need some inspiration to play together, try any of the screen-free 50 Things to Do Before You’re Five activities.
  
  

Free places at holiday clubs for eligible children this Christmas

If your child gets benefits-related free school meals, they can enjoy free activities and experiences during the Christmas school holidays with the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.

There are more than 80 HAF holiday clubs running this winter, offering a huge range of fun activities at venues across the district.

Places are free for children who live in the Bradford district, and:

• Are eligible for benefits-related free school meals, or
• Have special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).

All 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.

HAF holiday clubs are funded by the Department for Education.

Stay well this winter with flu jabs

As the winter season starts to bite, now is a good time to get a free vaccination from the NHS, if you or your child is eligible.  

Flu can be very unpleasant for children and can sometimes cause serious problems, such as pneumonia. 

The children's flu vaccine is recommended for:

• children aged 2 or 3 years (born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2023)
• school-aged children (Reception to Year 11)
• children aged 6 months to 17 years with certain long-term health conditions

For eligible adults, COVID-19 and flu vaccinations are also available at this time of year.

People who can get the free flu vaccine includes anyone who is pregnant, people with certain long-term health conditions, and anyone aged 65 or over. For the full list of people who are eligible, and other useful information, see Flu vaccine - NHS

Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.

For information about the free COVID-19 vaccine, see COVID-19 vaccine - NHS.

You can can book a jab through the NHS website, the NHS App or by calling 119. Eligible groups may also be offered a vaccination by GP surgeries or other local NHS services.

Information, news and training
for professionals and practitioners

‘Togetherness’ - toolkit resources now available

In October, our online learning library, In Our Place, was renamed Togetherness. 

Togetherness online learning offers 17 courses (known as 'pathways') on themes around emotional wellbeing, relationships and parenting. The courses are aimed at all ages and stages of family life and are FREE for everybody in the Bradford District, using the code BDPARENTS.

We are now able to share the first set of resources to help our partners and workforces share the great news of this fantastic offer with your colleagues and families.

All these resources are on the FYI website for you to download and use:

• Togetherness ‘Tried and Tested’ poster - an A4, printable poster with the strapline: 'Tried and tested tools for better emotional health'. Promotes the online offer across all ages and stages. Download poster. 
• Togetherness digital screens - for display on digital screens /TVs in any appropriate area, e.g. waiting rooms, reception areas etc. Please use the whole pack, or select individual slides as preferred. Download screens.
• Togetherness presentation (for workforce). Available as a PowerPoint presentation and accessible PDF for colleagues in all Bradford District organisations. The presentation explains what is available from Togetherness and how to access it. Download workforce presentation PDF.

You can browse the toolkit in full at Togetherness - communications toolkit. We will add more resources, as these become available.

We also have some printed postcards which can be shared. Please contact josephine.graham@bradford.gov.uk or emma.richardson@bradfordcft.org.uk if you are able to distribute these and would like to discuss further. 

Family Hubs and Start for Life
useful information and contacts

Family Hub timetables - December 2025

Our Family Hub area timetables, on the FYI website, 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.

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