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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

Christmas can be hard

‘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.

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:

• Festive Storytelling with Mrs Claus - 20th, 21st, 22nd December (10-3pm) at East Riddlesden Hall 

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

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

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! 

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