Play Space is a free, welcoming place to play with your child and there are sessions throughout the Easter Holidays. Support your children to play, explore and socialise at their own pace. No booking needed, just drop in and enjoy some quality play time together.

Being a parent can be hard, especially when relationships feel under pressure. Small disagreements can sometimes turn into frequent arguments, which can affect children more than we realise.

Parents in Cumberland now have access to free online courses, Getting on Better.The courses help you learn how to:

• stay calm when talking things through
• manage disagreements without things getting heated
• communicate during big changes, like separation or having a new baby
• talk openly about worries, such as money or debt

The courses are easy to use, confidential, and can be done at your own pace.
👉 Find out more and get started online: www.oneplusone.org.uk/parents

Prefer support in person? The friendly Family Hubs teams can help you, chat to one of the team to get started. 

Parents in Cumberland also have access to Togetherness - free, easy online courses you can dip into whenever it suits you. 

Child exploitation happens when there is an imbalance of power and a child is encouraged, pressured, trapped or forced to carry out acts for someone else’s benefit.

Children may receive something in return, such as alcohol, cigarettes, vapes, gifts, money, drugs or affection.

They can be exploited by adults or by other children and young people.

For information about exploitation and identifying possible signs of exploitation please see Child exploitation | Cumberland Family Hubs

What to do if you are worried a child is being exploited

Sharing concerns can be done two ways -

• To Cumbria Police on 101 or 999 if the child is in immediate danger.
• To Cumberland Children’s Advice and Support Service (formerly known as Cumberland Safeguarding Hub) on 0333 240 1727.

All schoolchildren aged up to 16 years old from the Cumberland area will be able to go for a swim in a choice of five indoor pools for only 10p over the Easter school holidays (30 March - 10 April). 

Reception places are announced this month, so many parents will be thinking about how to help their child get ready for school.

Starting Reception is an exciting step. There are lots of small things you can do at home to help your child feel confident.

If your child is not using the toilet confidently yet, there is still plenty of time to practise before September. You can find helpful advice on toilet training on the Starting Reception website and from ERIC, the children’s bowel and bladder charity.

You can also help your child become more independent through everyday routines. Encourage them to:

• put on their coat and shoes
• eat using a knife and fork and drink from an open cup
• get dressed with a little less help
• play on their own for short periods

These small steps can really help build confidence,  find more on the Starting Reception website.

If you want practical ideas or are feeling worried, your local Family Hub team can help. Find a Family Hub near you.