Spooky Stay and Play for children aged 0 to 5
Enjoy Halloween-themed crafts, sensory activities, songs and play in a safe and welcoming space for young children and their families.
- Hub in the Port, Maryport - Monday 26 October, 10am to 11.30am
- Wigton Family Hub - Monday 26 October, 10am to 11.30am
- Valley Family Hub, Whitehaven - Monday 26 October, 9.30am to 11am
- Westfield Family Hub, Workington - Monday 26 October, 1.30pm to 3.30pm
- Hub in the Port, Maryport - Tuesday 27 October, 10am to 11.30am
- Westfield Family Hub, Workington - Tuesday 27 October, 9.30am to 11.30am
- Keswick Family Hub - Tuesday 27 October, 1.30pm to 3pm
- Hub on the Harbour, Whitehaven - Tuesday 27 October, 1pm to 3pm
- Egremont Family Hub - Tuesday 27 October, 10am to 12 noon
- Flimby Family Hub - Thursday 29 October, 10am to 11.30am
- Chances Family Hub, Morton Carlisle - Thursday 29 October, 1pm to 2.30pm
- Hub on the Border, Longtown - Thursday 29 October, 1pm to 2.30pm
- Millom Family Hub - Thursday 29 October, 1pm to 3pm
- Westfield Family Hub, Workington - Thursday 29 October, 1pm to 3pm
- Petteril Bank Family Hub, Carlisle - Friday 30 October, 10am to 11.30am
- Hub on the Harbour, Whitehaven - Friday 30 October, 1pm to 3pm
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Spooky Family Fun for children and young people aged 0 to 19
Join in with seasonal crafts, games and spooky surprises at a fun event for the whole family.
- Chances Family Hub, Morton Carlisle - Monday 26 October, 10am to 12 noon
- Hub on the Border, Longtown - Monday 26 October, 10am to 12 noon
- Hub in the Port, Maryport - Wednesday 28 October, 9.30am to 11.30am
- Westfield Family Hub, Workington - Wednesday 28 October, 10.30am to 12 noon
- Hub on the Harbour, Whitehaven - Wednesday 28 October, 1.30pm to 3pm
- Petteril Bank Family Hub, Carlisle - Thursday 29 October, 1pm to 3pm
- Wigton Family Hub - Friday 30 October, 10am to 12 noon
- Millom Family Hub - Friday 30 October, 1pm to 2.30pm
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Play Space
Drop in for relaxed, child-friendly play activities and time together during the half-term break.
- Petteril Bank Family Hub - Monday 26 October, 9.30am to 11.30am
- Workington Family Hub - Monday 26 October, 9.30am to 11.30am
- Petteril Bank Family Hub - Wednesday 28 October, 1pm to 3pm
- Hub in the Port, Maryport - Thursday 29 October, 1.30pm to 3.30pm
- Chances Family Hub, Morton - Friday 30 October, 9.30am to 11.30am
- Aspatria Family Hub - Friday 30 October, 1pm to 3pm
- Hub on the Border, Longtown - Friday 30 October, 1pm to 2.30pm
Family Hub Hangout for young people aged 11 and over
A relaxed space where young people can meet others, spend time together and enjoy activities during half term.
- Chances Family Hub, Morton - Monday 26 October, 4pm to 5.30pm
- Hub on the Harbour, Whitehaven - Monday 26 October, 4pm to 6pm
- Hub in the Port, Maryport - Wednesday 28 October, 2.30pm to 4pm
- Petteril Bank Family Hub, Chances - Wednesday 28 October, 3.30pm to 5pm
- Westfield Family Hub, Workington - Friday 30 October, 2pm to 4pm
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Family Hub Cuppa and Chat
Drop in for a friendly cuppa, meet other local families and chat with Family Hub staff in a welcoming setting.
- Westfield Family Hub, Workington - Thursday 29 October, 9.30am to 11.30am
- Hub on the Harbour, Whitehaven - Friday 30 October, 1pm to 3pm
Time Together SEND Group
A welcoming group where children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, and their families, can spend time together and enjoy activities.
- Workington Family Hub - Wednesday 28 October, 3.30pm to 4.30pm
Girls aged 12 to 17 are invited to take part in a practical self-defence and personal safety session during the October half-term holiday.
This three-hour session will help young people learn practical self-defence techniques, explore personal safety strategies, and build confidence through scenario-based activities. It is designed to provide a safe and supportive environment where participants can develop skills that may help them respond to different situations.
The session includes some hands-on activities, but there is no pressure to take part in anything that feels uncomfortable.
Friday 30 October, 11am to 2pm, Workington
Book your place today: YJS.CBLD@cumberland.gov.uk
New Dads Drop-ins launch this November
Dads and Doughnuts is a brand-new Family Hubs drop-in session for dads and male carers to enjoy quality time with the children they care for. Come along for free activities, gain some healthy cooking skills, a cuppa and a snack, and have chat with our friendly Hub2u team. Whether you're looking for advice, support, or simply a welcoming place to spend time together, everyone is welcome.
Maryport Family Hub - Launches Saturday 7 November, 11am to 2pm. Then runs on the first Saturday of every month
Whitehaven Family Hub - Launches Saturday 21 November, 11am to 2pm. Then runs on the third Saturday of every month
No booking is required. Just drop in, have a healthy doughnut, meet other dads and carers, and enjoy some family fun.
Parenting can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging at times. The Nurturing Programme is a friendly and supportive course for parents and carers, designed to help you build positive relationships, better understand your child's needs and boost your confidence as a parent.
You'll explore topics such as understanding emotions, supporting your child's development, developing empathy and encouraging positive behaviour. The programme provides a welcoming space to share experiences, learn new skills and connect with other parents.
Sessions are running from November to January:
- Family Hub on the Harbour, Whitehaven from Wednesday 4 November to the 27 January from 9.30-11.30 am
- Family Hub in the Port, Maryport from Thursday 5 of November to the 28 January 12.45-2.45 pm
- Westfield Family Hub, Workington from Tuesday 3 November, 5.30 - 7.30 pm
- Carlisle from week commencing Monday 2 November. Venue and time TBC.
- Aspatria Family Hub from week commencing Monday 2 November. Dates and time TBC.
More courses will be coming to Family Hubs across Cumberland. To find out more or register your interest, please contact your local Family Hub.
From September 2026, free school meal eligibility has expanded, meaning more children can now access a healthy meal during the school day.
If your household receives Universal Credit, your child may now be eligible for free school meals, regardless of your household income. This change is expected to help thousands of families save money while ensuring children have access to nutritious meals at school.
You may be eligible if:
- You receive Universal Credit
- You have a child attending school
- You have not previously applied because your income was above the old threshold
Even if you already receive Universal Credit, you will usually still need to register for free school meals.
If you think your child may be eligible, contact your child's school or visit: Free school meals and clothing vouchers | Cumberland Council for information on how to apply.
Need help with money, benefits, training or finding work? The Family Community Team is here to support you.
Based in Family Hubs and local community settings, the team can help you check you're receiving all the benefits you're entitled to, explore training and employment opportunities, and connect you with other local support. They can also offer advice on issues such as financial hardship, domestic abuse and SEND, and signpost you to food hubs, grants and other sources of help.
The team works closely with Family Help, schools and other services to make sure families get the right support at the right time.
To find out more or ask for help, email Family.CommunityTeam@cumberland.gov.uk.
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Every family faces challenges from time to time, and sometimes it can be difficult to know what support is available. Family-Led Decision Making is an approach that helps families come together with people they trust to make plans, find solutions and decide what support is right for them.
By bringing together family members, friends and professionals, families can talk about what's working well, identify any concerns and create a plan for the future. The aim is to ensure families have a voice in decisions that affect them and can build on their own strengths and support networks.
Family-Led Decision Making can help families feel more confident, connected and in control, with the focus firmly on achieving the best outcomes for children and young people.
Find out more about Family-Led Decision Making and how it can support your family on the Cumberland Family Hubs website.
Disagreements are normal, but the way we handle them can make a big difference. Learn How to Argue Better is a free online course designed to help parents and carers communicate more effectively, reduce arguments and build stronger relationships at home.
The course provides practical advice and simple techniques to help you stay calm during difficult conversations, understand each other better and work through disagreements in a positive way. Whether you're co-parenting, facing family challenges or simply want to improve communication at home, the course can help you develop skills and confidence that support healthier relationships.
Access the course online at oneplusone.org.uk/parents or speak to your local Family Hub for advice and support.
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- Nursery decorated
- Parenting books read
- Hospital bag packed
- Vaccinations done
The pregnancy to-do list can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help your baby and you. Speak to your midwife to get the information and support you need on vaccinations recommended during pregnancy.
Find out more https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/vaccinations/
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Catch up with the team on the road:
- Tuesdays 6, 13 & 20 October, 2-6 pm at Thornhill Social Club, Egremont
- Tuesdays 3 November to 8 December, 2-6 pm Millom town centre and family hub
- Wednesdays 30 September to 11 November, 9.30-11.30 am at The Reading Rooms, Beckermet.
- Wednesday 28 October Millom Family Hub 11years plus drop in for Halloween activities.
- Wednesdays 18, 25 November & 2, 9 December All Saints school Cockermouth carer and toddlers group.
- Thursday 1 October 2-6 outside Broughton Moor Primary school.
- Thursdays 8, 15, 22 October Pottery playground, Dearham.
- Thursdays 5 November to 10 December 2-6pm Workington town
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Thank you to everyone who completed the Cumberland Youth Matter survey. An incredible 1,447 young people aged 11 to 18, and up to 25 for those with SEND, shared their views on what matters most to them.
The project is now moving into its next phase, where responses will be analysed and additional focus groups will take place. These sessions will help ensure that young people's voices are heard from across Cumberland, including areas and groups that may have been underrepresented in the survey.
The feedback will help shape the new Cumberland Youth Strategy, influencing future opportunities, services and support for young people.
Young people who would like to have a say in local decisions can also get involved with Cumberland Youth Voice groups.
Find out more about Youth Matter and Youth Voice on the Cumberland Family Hubs website.
Whether you have a query, concern or just want to book an activity, you can easily get in touch. Pop into a hub to chat to the team, give us a call or send an email:
Carlisle West area - main hub: Chances Family Hub, Morton
01228 223 417, FamilyHub.WestCarlisle@cumberland.gov.uk
Carlisle East area - main hub: Petteril Bank
01228 227 465, FamilyHub.EastCarlisle@cumberland.gov.uk
Millom area - main hub: Family Hub in Millom
01229 404 045, FamilyHub.Millom@cumberland.gov.uk
Maryport area - main hub: Family Hub in the Port
01900 706 164, FamilyHub.Maryport@cumberland.gov.uk
Longtown area - main hub: Family Hub on the Border
01228 226 697, FamilyHub.Longtown@cumberland.gov.uk
Whitehaven area - main hub: Family Hub on the Border
01946 506 378, FamilyHub.Whitehaven@cumberland.gov.uk
Workington area - main hub: Westfield Family Hub
01900 706 140, FamilyHub.Workington@cumberland.gov.uk
Wigton area - main hub: Wigton Family Hub
01228 226 081, FamilyHub.Wigton@cumberland.gov.uk
Find your nearest Family Hub on the Cumberland Family Hubs website.
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