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December 2025
Welcome to your December newsletter!
We're approaching the end of the year and lots of families will be looking forward to Christmas and New Year. Seasons Greetings to you if you are celebrating!
Parenting doesn't stop for the holidays of course, and support continues during the festive season. Our family hubs are open all 'working days', and many are offering warm spaces and festive events. Please do drop in if you need a cuppa, a chat or a change of scenery.
We are also looking ahead to 2026. There is lots going on, with baby massage, 'EBSA' (emotionally based school avoidance), Incredible Years Pre-School and lots more coming up.
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

Festive fun and a warm welcome at the Family Hubs
During the festive period, our family hubs will offer a number of Christmas events and Warm Spaces for families. Here are some of the highlights:
- Festive Fun Stay and Play - Farcliffe Family Hub - Monday, 22 December, Monday, 29 December and Friday, 2 January, two sessions per day - 9.30am to 11.30am and 1pm to 3pm
- Christmas Family Fun Session - Rainbow Family Hub - Tuesday, 23 December -
1pm to 3pm (please book if you would like to visit Santa's grotto)
- Warm Space - Reevy Hill Family Hub - Wednesday, 24 December, 12:30pm to 2:30pm
- Warm Space - Farcliffe Family Hub - Monday, 29 December, 1pm to 3pm
- Warm Space - Reevy Hill Family Hub - Wednesday, 31 December, 12:30pm to 2:30pm
There are also regular Warm Space events in all our Family Hub areas in January and beyond - find all dates on the FYI website What's On Guide: FYI - What's On - Warm Spaces. You can also look at the timetables for more information.
Please also remember, some of the regular weekly sessions may not take place during the holiday period, so if in doubt please check with the hub before attending.
Family Hub opening times over the festive period
Family Hubs are here to support families across the district. Our main family hubs are open as normal, except for:
- Christmas Day, Thursday, 25 December
- Boxing Day, Friday, 26 December
- New Years Day, Thursday, 1 January
You can call the Family Hubs using the contact details below:
You can see more information about the Family Hubs on the FYI website: Family Hubs.
 Christmas can be hard
No matter how, or if, you celebrate Christmas, it's normal that this time of year can feel challenging.
There are lots of reasons why we might not feel the Christmas spirit: feeling overwhelmed, health problems, loneliness, financial worries, social anxiety, family issues, or bereavement are just some of these.
And on top of this, while many people are enjoying festive cheer, this time of year also brings colder weather, less daylight, and disruptions to routines that can affect anyone.
Help is available, and on the FYI (Families and Young Persons Information) website we have brought together some of the most needed support at this time of year. Wellbeing at Christmas time.
You can also find the full library of support on the Information & Advice pages.
Please remember, if you or someone you know needs urgent support there is the First Response service on 0800 952 1181. See also Urgent Help for Mental Health Crisis for other support that is available.
 ‘Have your say’ - Best Start in Life and Family Hub logos
The Family Hub Start for Life logo has been used in the Bradford District, since 2023, to label:
- Family Hubs and their services for families with children of all ages,
- Specific 'Start for Life' services for families who are pregnant or with babies and young children.
When we introduced the Bradford District’s ‘Family Hub Start for Life’ logo, we consulted with families, the workforce and partnership organisations to create the design.
Following the government's introduction of a new 'Best Start in Life' national logo and website, we would like your help once again in co-designing how we adapt to this change.
The new ‘Best Start in Life’ logo will be used nationally and locally to label advice and support for children’s development, from pregnancy to childcare, right through to starting school.
We now have the option of adopting a national 'Best Start in Life - Family Hubs' logo, or using a simpler 'Best Start in Life' logo alongside an updated version of Bradford District's own Family Hub logo.
To take part in the co-design and have your say, please visit the feedback form on the FYI website.
 New online guide launches on FYI to support ‘perinatal mental health’
Did you know it’s very common for parents to have challenges with their mental health, especially during pregnancy and for up to 2 years afterwards (known as the ‘perinatal’ period).
In fact, 1 in 5 mums and 1 in 8 dads experience some type of anxiety or depression during this time.
Do you, or does someone you care about need support?
Please visit the new ‘perinatal mental health’ online guide on the FYI website to connect to helpful advice, support in your community and trusted services in the Bradford District.
From general advice to urgent support, the guide will take you straight to the help you need.
Visit: Perinatal mental health to find out more.
 Bradford East launches new sessions at Fagley Primary School
Bradford East Family hub has strengthened its partnership with Fagley Primary School, launching a new programme of sessions for families. The activities will start in January 2026.
The new sessions are:
- Weekly Stay and Play, starting from Friday, 9 January, 10am to 11.30am
- Monthly SEN (special educational needs) coffee morning, for parents, carers and families with a child with special educational needs. Starts Thursday, 8 January, from 9.15am to 10.15am, then will follow on the first Thursday of the month
You can find Fagley Primary School at Falsgrave Avenue, Bradford, BD2 3PU.
The sessions are for all families in the local community - you don't have to have a child in the school.
As always, you can find more information on the FYI website, on the Family Hub timetables. You can also keep up to date by following the Family Hub on Facebook.
The team at Bradford East said: "We are looking forward to meeting lots of new families - we hope to see you there!"
 Free baby massage courses across the Bradford District
Even if it's not your first time, having a new baby is a big change and can be really challenging for parents and carers.
Baby massage can help to:
- strengthen your bond with your baby using soothing touch.
- notice more of what baby is trying to tell you.
- boost your self-esteem and confidence in parenting.
- encourage deeper sleep for baby.
- relieve wind, colic, and constipation for baby.
- develop your baby's muscle tone and co-ordination.
It is also a great way to meet other parents and carers!
The course is suitable for 'pre-crawling' babies only.
Courses are available across the district in Family Hubs and other local venues. All courses last 5 weeks. Courses coming up, starting in January, include:
- Barkerend Family Hub, Bradford - Friday, 9 January until Friday, 6 February
- Farcliffe Family Hub, Bradford - Monday, 12 January until Monday, 9 February
- Reevy Hill Family Hub, Bradford - Thursday, 15 January until Thursday, 12 February
- Owlet Family Hub, Shipley, - Friday, 16 January until Friday, 13 February
More courses are in the diary starting in February, and further courses will be added throughout the year.
For more information and to apply visit Baby Massage with the Family Hubs on the FYI website. If you need any help with booking on, call 01274 432626.
 Incredible Years pre-school is BACK for children age 3 to 4
Our friends at Barnados are once again offering the brilliant 'Incredible Years' programme to families in the Bradford District.
The programme, for mums, dads and carers with a child age 3 or 4, will be available from April 2026 (exact dates to be announced) at the following venues:
- Barkerend Family Hub, Bradford BD3 8QX
- St Matthew’s Primary School, Bradford BD5 8FG
- Reevy Hill Family Hub, Bradford BD6 3ST
- St Edmund’s Nursery School, Bradford BD8 9QW
- Windhill Community Centre, Shipley BD17 5NH
The programme runs for 13 weeks, with each session lasting 2 hours. The programme can offer support with transport, and a free crèche will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The programme explores all aspects of your child’s development at ages 3 to 4, with a particular focus on school readiness and supporting a smooth transition into starting nursery or school.
Parents who have attended the most recent current groups have told us they are now:
- Feeling calmer
- Spending more quality time with their child
- Using more praise
- Managing challenging situations more confidently
- Tackling toilet training, bedtimes, and mealtimes more effectively
- and experiencing many other positive changes
We are now accepting referrals, so please apply on the FYI website: Incredible Years form.
You can also call/email on 01274 513300 or email IY@barnardos.org.uk.
There is more information, including quotes from parents who have done the course, on the FYI website: Incredible Years Preschool.
 School anxiety? Come along to an EBSA session in 2026
The popular EBSA (emotionally based school avoidance) groups are back in 2026, to help mums, dads and carers whose child is struggling to go to school, due to feelings of worry or stress.
The parent support groups are led by the friendly and supportive Educational Psychology Team. The groups are a safe space to:
- Share, listen to other parents, and get ideas to help
- Learn more about what you can do to support your child
- Understand what you can expect from school
The groups meet weekly, for 4 sessions. You will need to be able to attend all 4 sessions please.
The next group will start in January:
- Barkerend Family Hub
- Starts Wednesday, 14 January 2026 and runs for 4 weeks
- 1pm to 2:30pm
Families living in any part of the Bradford District can attend.
Sessions are also coming up in later months at Farcliffe Family Hub (March), online course (April) and Reevy Hill Family Hub (June).
Booking is essential - email ebsa@bradford.gov.uk or call 01274 439444.
You can see more details about all the sessions coming up on the FYI website - EBSA groups.
 Togetherness - here for Bradford District's families
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.
 Start the new year with APNA healthy living at Farcliffe
APNA, which means 'one of our own' in Urdu, is a fantastic, inclusive, healthy living programme, for people in the Bradford District who would like support to choose healthier foods and achieve a healthier lifestyle.
The next APNA programme is a women-only group, aimed at mums and carers, and will start in Bradford West (Farcliffe Family Hub) in January.
APNA helps you enjoy the foods you love, with healthier twists that fit your culture and traditions. The course will cover healthier takeaways, eating during celebrations, coping with stress, and fitting activity into your routine.
The free course offers professional advice from a supportive NHS dietician. It lasts for 12 weeks, starting on Friday, 16 January 2026, from 9.15am to 10.15am.
To find out more or book a place, please contact family navigator Saira Riaz by email saira.riaz@bradfordcft.org.uk or contact the family hub on 01274 436700.
You can also find out more about APNA on the Living Well website: APNA • Living Well Bradford.
 Delve into past issues of your Family Hubs Start for Life newsletter!
We hope you enjoy the monthly Family Hubs Start for Life newsletter. With over 5,000 subscribers, we think it's one of the best ways of keeping up to date with what’s happening for families across the Bradford District!
The great news is you can now catch up with the latest issues (and a full archive) on the FYI website. Visit the new newsletters page today and stay connected!
 'You said, we did' - listening to families at the Family Hubs
Our district's family hubs are always open to feedback and ideas from families, whether through organised sessions such as parent-carer panels, or informally at any point when a family has something to suggest.
The hubs now display families' comments - and the action taken - on their noticeboards.
Here is a highlight from the last month. The noticeboards inside the hubs will be updated monthly - please look out for these next time you pop in.
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You said
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We did
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Bradford West Family Hub (Farcliffe) recently welcomed 2 dads and their little ones to the hub's 'Mums, Bumps and Babies' session. The dads enjoyed the session, especially the singing time, where they heartily joined in with 'Old McDonald had a Farm'.
However the dads commented that they felt usure if they were allowed to attend the group due to the name of the group being 'Mums, Bumps and Babies'.
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Following discussion of this feedback, the hub has decided to rename the session 'Bumps and Babies' to ensure all dads feel welcome and included in the future.
The dad said he would like to attend again and the hub staff are looking forward to seeing him and his little one again soon!
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Find out more about our Family Hubs on the FYI website: Family Hubs.
If you have feedback about the Family Hubs you will be very welcome at the Parent and carer panels. The next sessions will take place in January.
 Fun things to do with under 5s
When the days get shorter and the weather turns colder, finding fun things to do with young children can feel like a real challenge. Many families want to get out of the house, make special memories, and keep the whole family entertained, but knowing where to go or what’s on near you isn’t always easy.
That’s where 50 Things to Do Before You’re Five comes in, making it simpler than ever to discover affordable, family-friendly activities right on your doorstep.
50 Things to Do Before You’re Five is an exciting initiative of 50, screen-free, low or no cost activities for families with young children, targeted at supporting children to reach important milestones.
The digital offer consists of a website and app for parents to explore the 50 different activities in their own time and bring fun play into everyday life.
Explore the Events tab
One of the most loved features of the 50 Things app and website is the Events tab. Events are split into ‘one off’ and ‘ongoing’ events so parents can find something to fit into their family plans. The best thing? All events listed are low or no cost! 50 Things update the events regularly so families can find and explore the best events happening in their local communities, without it costing a fortune.
Christmas and New Year is a wonderful time of year for festive family fun in and around Bradford. If you’re looking for something special to enjoy together in the holidays, here's one idea:
To find even more ideas, events, and inspiration, explore 50 Things to Do Before You’re Five. Discover activities, local events, and learn how our ideas support families to be as healthy and happy as they can be.
 Don’t miss the deadline to apply for your child’s primary school place
If your child will be starting primary school for the first time in September 2026, it’s time to apply for their school place!
You have until Thursday, 15 January 2026 to apply for your child’s school place.
List up to five schools to give you the best chance of getting a place at a preferred school.
If you apply online on Bradford website you will get an email on 16 April 2026 to tell you which school your child has been offered
Check out the 'Apply for a place at school' page on Bradford Council's website to find out more about primary school admissions for 2026 and how to apply.
Information, news and training for professionals and practitioners
 'HABIT' oral health training success
During October and November, 60 members of the family hubs and wider workforce took part in HABIT Oral Health training.
HABIT stands for Health visitors delivering Advice in Britain on Infant Toothbrushing. These 90-minute sessions help staff feel more confident and equipped to tackle tricky conversations around toothbrushing with families, because those early habits really matter!
The training was arranged by the Start for Life programme and delivered by our Public Health colleagues in partnership with the HABIT Oral Health programme.
A total of 60 staff were trained across the district, and the feedback was fantastic:
- “Very engaging training, thank you.”
- “Great training that helped with signposting.”
- “Really useful information - some remembered, some forgotten, and some never known. Excellent.”
If you missed the training, you can still access the resources on the FYI website: HABIT Oral Health resources.
While there aren’t currently any more sessions planned, we can put on another session if there is enough interest, so please contact arlie.haslam@bradford.gov.uk if you would like to attend.
You can read a longer version of this story on the Good News Blog.
Family Hubs and Start for Life useful information and contacts
 Family Hub timetables - January 2026
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
Our Family Hubs welcome families and offer support for every age and stage of family life. Our four family hubs areas and main sites are:
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Bradford East
Barkerend Family Hub, 365 Barkerend Road, BD3 8QX, and Gateway Family Hub, 43 Thackeray Road, Ravenscliffe, BD10 0JR Tel: 01274 437523 Email: FamilyHubEast@bradfordcft.org.uk Web: East Family Hub page on FYI
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Bradford West
Farcliffe Family Hub, 56 Toller Lane, BD8 8QH Tel: 01274 436700 Email: FamilyHubWest@bradfordcft.org.uk Web: West Family Hub page on FYI
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Bradford South
TFD Centre, Broadstone Way, BD4 9BU, and Reevy Hill Family Hub, Bedale Drive, BD6 3ST Tel: 01274 434940 Email: FamilyHubSouth@bradfordcft.org.uk Web: South Family Hub page on FYI
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Keighley/Shipley
Rainbow Family Hub, Braithwaite Grove, Keighley, BD22 6JB Tel: 01535 618005 Email: FamilyHubKeighleyShipley@bradfordcft.org.uk Web: Keighley/Shipley Family Hub page on FYI
Each Family Hub area also works with other places including schools, nurseries, and community centres to provide services at a wider variety of places and closer to where families live. Contact your nearest Family Hub to find out more.
Full information is on the FYI (Families and Young Person's Information) website:
 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!
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