 Try to get outside and make the most of winter moments together with your little ones. See if you can spot sparkly lights and other festive decorations. They’ll be really exciting for children and talking about what you see will help them learn new words too!
Find more winter activities on the National Literacy Trust’s website: https://wordsforlife.org.uk/activities/go-for-a-winter-walk/
Dudley Council recently announced it has received £2.6 million in the latest round of Household Support Fund funding. This runs until March 2025.
The money will be used to provide support to households experiencing financial hardship or crisis, who would otherwise struggle to buy food, pay utility bills, or meet other essential living or household cost.
 Dudley Council’s Winter Wellbeing campaign has launched to support older and vulnerable people to stay well, happy and supported.
 Free toothbrush packs for families are available across the borough.
Dudley Council’s Community Toothbrush Scheme supports families to take care of their teeth from as soon as a child has their first tooth.
The packs are available from organisations including foodbanks, charities, warm spaces and religious places of worship. They include a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste and an information postcard about the importance of oral health, especially for children.
Tooth decay is the most common oral disease affecting children and young people in England, yet it is largely preventable.
In difficult financial times, taking care of your teeth may slip down the list of priorities when compared with food and warmth. Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste protects children and adult’s teeth.
Find out where to pick up a pack on the Healthy Dudley website.
 Dudley Council is making it easier and more convenient for residents to report or request council services.
 Looking for an unforgettable birthday experience for your child? 🤩🎂 👽 From out-of-this-world Planet Play parties at Duncan Edwards and Halesowen leisure centres, to exciting 💦 Splash parties and Soft Play parties at Crystal Leisure centre...
DBLeisure hosts a range of exclusive use, self-catering parties that will make your child’s special day amazing!
Book your 2025 party today to guarantee the best price. Take a look at our range of action-packed party options:
www.dbleisure.co.uk/parties
 Find all the festive fun coming up at your local family hubs this Christmas.
 Find all the Christmas shows and concerts taking place in our Borough Halls in Dudley, Stourbridge and Halesowen.
With darker nights here, Dudley’s community safety partnership urges residents to secure their homes.
Use timer switches for lights, lock doors and windows, and secure sheds and garages to stay safe this season.
People should also register their personal items on the immobilise database by visiting www.immobilise.com
The database is free and used by police and can help recover your property and capture thieves.
If you have family members who are vulnerable or elderly it’s useful to remind them of the things they can do to stay safe, visit https://www.dudley.gov.uk/residents/care-and-health/adult-health-social-care/support-to-stay-independent/living-well-feeling-safe/
 Join us for a magical experience at Planet Play, our 'out of this world' soft play area, where your little ones can enjoy:
- a festive meet-and-greet with Santa
- two hours of Planet Play adventure
- a cookie and unlimited squash
- a special gift to take home
The event is suitable for children up to 11 years old (maximum height 148cm).
Date: Saturday 21 December, 9.30am - 11.30am
Cost: £12.50 per child (Options+ Leisure Discount not available).
Spaces are limited, so pre-booking is essential.
To book, call Halesowen Leisure Centre on 01384 812800 (option 2) or pop into the centre.
Find out more about the Santa event
🎄Let’s make it a Christmas to remember! 🎅

FREE family water safety sessions taking place at our DBleisure centres for children in primary school years 5-6
Venues and schedules:
These sessions run in partnership with Active Black Country and MUST be pre-booked via Active Black Country.
 It’s the time of year to bring friends and family together for a cosy evening at the Black Country Living Museum. Gather around the open fires, sing along with traditional carollers and Fifties favourites, and enjoy traditional Christmas treats to get into the festive mood.
- Date: Saturday 14 December, Friday 20 December, Saturday 21 December, Sunday 22 December, Monday 23 December.
- With costumed characters to meet and street entertainers to watch, experience a heart-warming, magical night that everyone will enjoy.
- Glad Tidings is recommended for those aged 8+.
Santa Hunts:
- Embark on an interactive adventure for all the family as you work together to help Santa’s elves to find the magic keys for Santa’s new Black Country grotto.
- Immerse yourself in all things festive and see all the sights you know and love around the Black Country Living Museum, as well as some new additions at Christmas time. There are letters to be written in the school and stamped in the post office, coins to be magically transformed and most importantly, Father Christmas to find.
- Along the way, you’ll meet the Black Country Key Holders – Christmassy characters who all do important jobs for Santa. They are all busy preparing for Christmas and need your help to find and charge the special keys with magic and they’ll help you on your journey to find Santa Claus. At the end of your experience, your little ones will meet the man himself and receive an age-appropriate present to truly make the occasion special.
- Please note that tickets for Santa Hunts will only be available to purchase via telephone from our Ticketing team on 0121 520 8054 (lines open 10am-4pm, Monday-Friday).
- We think that children aged 4+ will enjoy this experience the most. Santa Hunts experiences are expected to last for 1 hour.
- Tickets selling fast! Book today to avoid disappointment. Remaining dates: Saturday 14 December, Sunday 15 December, Saturday 21 December, Sunday 22 December, Monday 23 December, and Tuesday 24 December.
 Come along and experience the magic of Christmas at Dudley Zoo and Castle. Visit Santa in his Grotto set within the walls of the 11th Century castle.
Santa's Grotto is open till Christmas Eve.
Santa's Grotto ticket includes Dudley Zoo and Castle admission.
- See all your favourite animals.
- Ride the DZC Santa Express train*
- Receive a special gift from Santa.
- See Santa's reindeer in their new home.
Charges apply.
|