View as a webpage  /  Share

August 2026

The summer holidays are well underway! Have you been to any of the fantastic free family events across the district yet?

The great news is, if you've missed the events so far, you're still in time to join in the the amazing programme of summer fun at our district's Family Hubs - and beyond.

Take a look below for a reminder of what's on - as well as some brand new activities and opportunities you might not know about.

As always, in this newsletter we bring helpful news, support, information about free activities for families across the Bradford District, links to the FYI website, links to the Family Hub timetables and lots more. 

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

News for families and colleagues

Summer fun in the Family Hubs

This summer our district's Family Hubs have organised lots of free fun days and activities for families with children of all ages.

From summer sports to carnival themes, and more, the events bring lots of variety, with:  

• Free activities and play for children all ages
• Free refreshments
• Meet family navigators and other help and support
• Come along, relax and play together

While the events are suitable for children all ages, for those of you with under 5s, there will also be fun activities designed to help your child with the small steps to starting school reception. Take a look at the pictures above - from making shakers, to playing with sand, all these activities help your child learn through play. 

All the places, dates and times, and further details about each event are on the FYI website on the What's On guide. More events are still being added in some areas, so keep checking back, on the What's On guide, and on the Family Hub timetables, and you can also follow your nearest hub on Facebook to keep up to date. Hope to see you there!

Home-Start's Connecting Families Summer Group is back!

Home-Start Bradford’s Connecting Families Summer Group is running through August for families needing peer support or connection around the challenges that parenting young children can bring.

The Connecting Families Group brings families and their 0 to 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 Peel Park, in the Youth and Community Hub, for four Thursday sessions on August 6, 13, 20 and 27. The sessions run from 10am to 12 noon.

There will be lots of fun for little ones, alongside support for mums, dads and carers. Themes include:

• Getting school ready - with Bradford Education team.
• Teddy Bears Picnic - with a focus on good mental health.
• Going on a Bear hunt - storytime fun and nature activities.
• Let’s get brushing - oral health, weaning and healthy eating.

The 50 Things To Do Before You’re Five Team will also be making an appearance!

“The session was PERFECT! Nothing could have made it any better! Thank you!” - parent who attended last year’s summer sessions.

Places can be booked via the friendly Home-Start Bradford team on 01274 666711 or via email hsbd@homestartbradford.co.uk. Families may request a place themselves or professionals can refer a family.

Early Words Together - free activity for 3 and 4 year olds with their grown ups

Do you have a 3 or 4 year old and live in the Bradford area?

Come along to these fantastic FREE sessions, packed with fun activities to help your child with talking and learning. Explore stories, rhymes and being creative with your child.

Sessions run once a week for six weeks.

Two courses currently available:

• Merlin Top Primary School (year 6 entrance), Braithwaite Avenue, Keighley, BD22 6HZ, Wednesday, 9 September to Wednesday, 14 October, 2pm to 3pm.
• Woodside Children’s Centre, Fenwick Drive, Bradford, BD6 2PG, Thursday, 10 September to Thursday, 15 October, 2pm to 3pm.

Places are limited. Please book your free place here:

• Merlin Top: Early Words Together
• Woodside Children’s Centre: Early Words Together

Talk, Listen and Connect - more sessions added for August!

Talking Bradford have launched a new Talk, Listen and Connect (TLC) drop-in session for families - and due to the success so far, there are now more sessions happening across the district!

If you're concerned about your child's communication, have a question you'd like to ask, or simply want some fun ideas to support talking and language at home, the team would love to meet you.

Bring your baby, or child under 5, along to chat and play while you:

• Talk to a Speech and Language Therapist.
• Listen to simple, practical ideas you can use every day.
• Connect with local support and other families.

There are no appointments, no bookings and no pressure - just come along, have a chat in a relaxed, friendly environment and see what's available. Free sessions in August as follows:

• Keighley Community and Family Hub: Monday, 17 August, 1.30pm - 3.30pm
• Reevy Hill Family Hub: Tuesday, 18 August, 12.30pm - 3.30pm
• Farcliffe Family Hub: Thursday, 20 August, 9.30am - 12.30pm
• Barkerend Family Hub: Monday, 24 August, 12 noon - 2.30pm
• Barkerend Family Hub: Tuesday, 25 August, 1.30pm - 3.30pm
• TFD Family Hub: Wednesday, 26 August, 1.30pm - 3.30pm

Sessions open to all mums, dads and carers with babies and children under 5 living in Bradford district

For more information contact Helen helen.rush@bdct.nhs.uk or just come along!

You can find out more about Talking Bradford on the FYI website. 

New - Baby Massage group for dads and male carers

Calling dads and male carers - do you have a small baby, and would you like to find out how to increase your connection with your little one?

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.
• enhance your understanding of baby’s development.
• encourage deeper sleep for baby.
• relieve wind, colic, and constipation for baby.
• develop your baby's muscle tone and co-ordination.

Whilst dads and male carers are welcome at any of our baby massage sessions, this dedicated group, exclusively for dads and male carers, gives you a chance to connect with other dads, while feeling more at ease and confident as a dad.

Baby must be over 6 weeks and not yet be at the crawling stage. They must also have had their first vaccinations, which usually happen at 6 to 8 weeks old. 

Full joining details:

• Place: Woodroyd Centre, Woodroyd Road, Bradford, BD5 8EL
• Dates: Tuesday, 15 September to Tuesday, 13 October
• Times: 10.00am to 11.30am (will start at 9.30am on the first and last session)

Free course. Full details on the FYi website: Baby Massage with Family Hubs. 

Request a place now: Baby massage form.

Please also remember: You don’t have to wait for a dads-only session – you are very welcome at any of our baby massage groups. Come along whenever it suits you and your family.

Please tell a dad in your world about this fantastic opportunity! 

Finding strength through loss: Sam’s story

Dad Matters, who provide free support to dads and male carers in the Bradford District, have shared a powerful case study about Sam's experience of grief following baby loss, and how the team helped him.  

"In August 2025, after our third pregnancy loss, I was referred to Dad Matters Bradford through the Early Pregnancy Bereavement Team at Airedale Hospital. At the time, I was facing a series of losses. Alongside the heartbreak of repeated pregnancy loss, my mum had died from cancer, and I had lost my job – all within the space of just two months."

He continues:

"The support from Louise and Dad Matters made an immense difference, it’s clear to me that, at the start of the process, I was depressed, burnt out and probably heading for a breakdown as a result of the events mentioned above."

"As a result of the support I’ve received, I’ve gained perspective, reflected on everything I’ve been through, which has helped me be better and support my wife, but also become more resilient and begin moving forwards with my life again."

You can read the full story on the Home-Start website. Finding Strength Through Loss: Sam’s Story 

Dad Matters in the Bradford District is funded by Best Start in Life.

You can find out more about Dad Matters and lots of other support for dads and male carers on the FYI website: I'm a dad.

HENRY Starting Solids - new dates available this August

Introducing solid foods is the start of a new chapter for you and your baby. Join this FREE Starting Solids workshop and give your little one the best start on their food journey.

You don't need to be ready to start solids yet - even with a younger baby, this will give you tips for when the time comes.

This FREE workshop will help you decide:

• When your baby is ready for solid food
• What foods to start with
• How to spot signs of when your baby is hungry - or full
• How to make mealtimes relaxed and enjoyable for both of you

Apply Here: Starting Solids Application

Dates/Locations:

• Tuesday 18 August 2026, 6.30pm - 8pm - Online
• Thursday 27 August 2026, 6.30pm - 8pm - Online

Please note - no future sessions are currently booked after these dates, so book now and don't miss out.

Find out more: HENRY Starting Solids.

KidsTime workshops - for you and your child

KidsTime workshops are fun, friendly groups for families where mum, dad or a main carer is experiencing a mental health difficulty. No formal diagnosis is required.

Parents/carers and and their children come together to explore mental health through creative activities and peer support. It's a safe, relaxed and non-judgemental space to learn and talk about mental health, without shame or stigma.

Children get to meet other young people in the same situation, share experiences, get answers to questions and, most importantly, have fun. Pizza and transport is provided. 

When and where?

The workshops are held once a month in three locations:

• Barkerend Family Hub, Bradford East (2nd Thursday of each month)
• Reevy Hill Family Hub, Bradford South (3rd Thursday of the each month)
• Rainbow Family Hub, Keighley (4th Thursday of each month)

Another monthly session will be starting in the Bradford district soon.

KidsTime workshops are all on the Family Hub timetables but are referral/booking only. You can book a place via 'self-referral': KidsTime Workshops | Mental Health support 

Professionals can refer here: Kidstime Workshop referral form.

KidsTime workshops are provided by Bradford District and Craven Mind.

Have you picked up your 25 Things To Do in Bradford adventure leaflet?

To celebrate Bradford’s diverse landscapes, culture, architecture and experiences, 50 Things To Do Before You’re Five launched a special offer for the whole family: 25 Things To Do in Bradford!

With 5 fun categories of Play, Make, Find, See and Explore, no matter your age - you can tour around 25 wonderful locations all across Bradford!

Pick up your FREE leaflet from one of Bradford District's Libraries including Bingley, City, Eccleshill, Ilkley, Keighley, Laisterdyke, Manningham, Shipley, Wibsey and Wyke.

Then get ready to explore 25 wonderful locations, each one packed with fun, creativity, and culture.

From parks and waterfalls to museums and fairy trails, there's something for every age. And the best part? It's all free or low cost! Find out more and start exploring here: 25 Things in Bradford - find, make, play, see, explore. 

Download the 50 Things To Do Before You're Five app to discover lots of screen-free fun activities and summer events all across Bradford!  50 Things app – Bradford

FREE Play in the Park this summer

Bradford District's wonderful parks will be the place to go this summer, with over 50 FREE Play In Park and Mini Bounce Planet sessions taking place all across the district.

• Play in the Park: 2 amazing inflatables, plus sports and play equipment accompanied by a resident DJ
• Mini Bounce Planet: 4 fantastic inflatables in total - 2 for over 5s and 2 for under 5s!

All the dates and locations are listed in the What's On guide on the FYI website, where you can search by postcode to see what's closest to you. What's on - Play in the Park.

Play Connect - free sessions for under 5s this summer

Come along to a Play Connect summer workshop at your local library. 

With a variety of themes and activities, there is something for all children aged 0 to 5!

• All about me! - nurturing session to help you connect with your baby/toddler through play - for 0 to 2 years
• Dragon School with Zog - an enchanting play adventure for all children age 2 to 5
• Nurture Nest - create your very own baby bird - for children all ages 0 to 5 

Come along to play, connect and explore. Play Connect Events. 

Maternity Circles – keeping you connected through the summer

Are you (or your partner) pregnant, or do you have a baby/toddler under 2? Come along to your local Maternity/Baby Circle, as sessions are running through the summer!

Circles offer a free, welcoming and supportive space for mums, dads, carers and parents-to-be. They have a wide range of support, from self-care activities, to advice from health professionals, and help with early parenthood.

Above all they are a friendly group where you can meet others for a cuppa, a chat and take part in the free activities provided. Please note, all children attending must be under 2 years old.

You can use this link to see all the Circles taking place across the district: Maternity/Baby circles. Use the filters to find a venue closest to you or a day that you are free. 

FREE activity sheet to help your child learn through play

Have fun while you learn!

A helpful new activity sheet is now available to support families with the 'small steps to starting school'.

Download the Small Steps to Starting School activity sheet from the FYI website, and start ticking things off now!

You can use the activity sheet with all pre-school children - even as early as age 2. (While most 2 year olds won't be able to do everything yet, the sheet can help with ideas for the 'small steps' to practise through play.) As your child reaches 3 and 4, watch their confidence and skills grow! 

The sheet also includes links to play ideas and a list of groups and support.

You can pick up a print-out of the activity sheet at the family hub summer events this August.

Please note, if your child has additional needs, they may achieve skills at different times. Early support makes a big difference – ask your child’s nursery, school, health visitor, or your local family hub for help.

• Small Steps to Starting School activity sheet
• Small steps to starting school - more information

Is your child ready to learn?

Your school nursing team wants to help you give your child great start to their learning journey.

If your child will reach school-age between now and September 2026, the team invite you to one of these helpful “Ready to Learn” sessions.

The team will be sharing tips and advice so your child can:

• Get dressed on their own - putting on and taking off their coat
• Eat without help using a knife, fork and spoon
• Go to the toilet without help
• Listen to their teacher - you'll find out how to help your child concentrate and engage in school, as well as the importance of sleep and bedtime routine
• Get ready to write - for example using a crayon for colouring or drawing
• Feel confident and happy - so they settle quicker when you leave them at school.

Book an appointment for your child!

Individual sessions are available on the dates below, between the times shown. Please phone Bradford District Care Trust on 01274 221203 to book your child's place.

• Thursday, 13 August: Shipley Library - 9.30am to 4pm
• Wednesday, 19 August: TFD Family Hub - 9.30am to 4pm
• Wednesday, 26 August: Barkerend Family Hub - 9.30am to 4pm

You can also browse these sessions on the FYI website: Ready to Learn

Incredible Years pre-school for children age 3 to 4 - new dates from September 

Incredible Years pre-school is ideal to help your pre-school child get ready to start school reception in September 2027. It can also help if your child is starting school this September (2026). The programme explores all aspects of your child’s development at ages 3 to 4.

Parents who attended recent groups said they are now:

• Spending more quality time with their child
• Managing challenging situations more confidently
• Using more praise
• Feeling calmer
• Tackling toilet training, bedtimes, and mealtimes more effectively
• AND experiencing many other positive changes

One parent said: 

"Incredible Years... has helped me to see how my children see things, so I can help them to express things in a better way. It has helped me to work though my son's separation anxiety and he now walks into nursery on  his own and settles happily. The course has made me more confident, and less anxious about how I am coping with parenthood."

The programme, for mums, dads and carers with a child age 3 or 4, will be available from September 2026 at EIGHT places across the Bradford District, with courses running on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. 

The programme has 13 sessions. Sessions will not run in the school holidays (October 26 to 30 and 21 December to 1 January). Families can attend any venue - whichever works best for you. The programme can offer support with transport if needed.

Please apply on the FYI website: Incredible Years form.

You can also call on 01274 513300 or email IY@barnardos.org.uk.

There is more information on the FYI website: Incredible Years Preschool.

Next SEND Marketplace at Farcliffe Family Hub - 24 August

Our Family Hubs across the district are hosting SEND Marketplace drop-in events every month throughout 2026.

The next SEND marketplace will be at Farcliffe Family Hub, on Monday, 24 August, from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

Come along for advice, support and to discuss any concerns you have with specialist services for example Carer's Resource, SENDIASS, Bradford district's Local Offer, the Family Hub's Family Navigators, and more.

There will be support available on themes that matter most to parents and carers, including Autism/ADHD, finance/benefits, speech and language, relationship issues, sleeping difficulties, and education. 

More dates from September:

• 25 September, 2pm to 4.30 pm, at Reevy Hill Family Hub
• 26 October, 9.30 am to 12.30 pm, at Rainbow Family Hub
• 30 November, 1 to 3pm at Barkerend Family Hub
• 21 December, 9.30am to 12.30 pm, at Farcliffe Family Hub

More information and all the dates are here: SEND support in the Family Hubs.

Breastfeeding Week - support for you and your baby

It's World Breastfeeding Week from August 1 to 7. Breastfeeding doesn’t have to be something you figure out alone - support is here for you every step of the way.

There is lots of help and advice on the FYI website, and through support locally. Take a look at the information page on FYI to find out more: Feeding my baby.

Have your child's car seat checked for free

Car seat checking events are coming back to the Bradford District. 

• Thursday 27 August 2026 - Asda, Manor Lane, Shipley, 11am – 4pm
• Thursday 10 September 2026 - South Hawksworth Street car park, Ilkley, 11am – 4pm
• Thursday 15 October 2026 - Asda Rooley Lane, 10am - 3pm (ALSO includes free tyre safety checks)
• Thursday 12 November 2026 - Sedbergh Youth & Community Centre, 10am – 3pm

Keep up to date - follow Good Egg Safety on Facebook. 

Family Hubs and Best Start in Life
useful information and contacts

Family Hub timetables - August 2026

There are lots of extra sessions and activities happening in the summer months! Meanwhile some 'term time only' sessions will be on a break.

Please check with the hub timetable, Facebook page or phone/email if you are unsure and wish to check.

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

Newsletter - past issues

We hope you enjoy the Best Start in Life newsletter. With over 7,000 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 of past newsletters) on the FYI website. Visit the new newsletters page today and stay connected!

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: