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Hello and welcome to another issue of the Family Hubs newsletter!
In this month's edition, we want to tell you about some of the fantastic things that have been happening across our Family Hubs network in Rotherham.
LATEST NEWS
Help shape the services that support you, join our Parent and Carer Panel
A big thank you to everyone who joined our last Parent and Carer Panel at Activate Family Hub!
We had some great discussions around the Family Information Service (FIS) website and explored new ways to connect with families.
We also began co-designing how we share information and support around perinatal mental health, an important step in making sure families get the help they need.
We’re now welcoming new members to join the panel. Our next session is on Wednesday 23 October from 9:30am to 11am at Bright Stars Play Space Family Hub. It’s a brilliant opportunity to share your thoughts and experiences, and help shape the services available to families across Rotherham.
Please get in touch with laura.ellison@varotherham.org.uk to find out more and book your place.
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Central Outreach and Engagement Team at The Place Family Hub
On Thursday 18 September we went on a Bear Hunt, where we followed the story trail through the long wavy grass, a cold river, thick mud, a dark forest, a snowstorm and finally a cave, where we found the bear!
Families enjoyed the variety of fun, interactive, sensory activities - from getting stuck into the sensory walk, to reading the story using the props provided around a sensory spot tray.
Our Outreach & Engagement Workers host a variety of free groups and sessions throughout the week, in venues across the Borough. You’re welcome to attend any session, not just those at your local Family Hub!
Find out more on Facebook or get in touch with your local team:
Central - Search RotherhamEarlyHelpCentral or call 01709 336660.
South - Search Rotherhamearlyhelpsouth or call 01709 334417
North - Search Rotherham Early Help North or call 01709 334458
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Light Peer Support is now open to more families
Are you pregnant or a parent of a child under two?
Feeling lonely, isolated, or low in mood?
We’re excited to share that Light is expanding its one-to-one and group support services in Rotherham. This means more families affected by perinatal mental health challenges can now access the help they need.
The increase in sessions comes directly in response to feedback from the Parent and Carer Panel , ensuring support is shaped by those who need it most.
Peer support is when people with similar experiences come together in a safe and friendly space to support each other. All of Light's peer support workers have their own experience of perinatal mental health difficulties, so you know you are not alone.
(You don't need a GP referral).
Email contactus@lightpeersupport.org.uk to get in touch and to register.
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The Garden Project at Maltby Stepping Stones
The Outreach and Engagement Team based at Maltby Stepping Stones, noticed the potential of the large, outdoor space at the rear of the building and proposed transforming the area into an allotment-style garden accessible to children, young people and families.
We are pleased to announce that the project is now well underway and thriving thanks to the special attention, focus and energy of Rachel Green and Callum MacDonald, children, families and local businesses who have played a key role in sourcing materials and helping maintain the garden. There is a shared aspiration within the service to find new and interesting ways to keep the project going and growing.
Volunteers are essential to the garden’s sustainability, and recruitment is underway, with support from Voluntary Action Rotherham.
For more details on the project, please contact either earlyhelpsouth@rotherham.gov.uk or rachel.green@rotherham.gov.uk
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Park Baby is back!
Looking for something engaging for your little one?
Head to Clifton Park every Tuesday for six weeks of morning activities designed especially for children under 2.
With a mix of guided and free play, youngsters can explore safe, child-friendly equipment that encourages imagination while supporting their physical development, balance, and coordination.
To book, email health@ruct.co.uk
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PEEP Learning together through play - Things to do at home
Making a Talk Box or Bag
What you will need:
- An empty box with a lid, or a pillow case or ANYTING you can put things in!
- Everyday items that you can find around your house for example: Toys, cars, animals, things you can collect from outside.
- Odds and end: spoons, pegs, old cards or photos or finger puppets.
- Crafts to decoration if you wish to do so.
Tips for using your talking box:
- Let your child to lead the discussion
- Make up a story with the objects
- Create games – for example, memory games, literacy games.
MAKE IT FUN and change the objects after each use.
You can read more here
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Information for expectant parents
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Your baby’s movements are a reassuring sign that they’re doing well.
Babies tend to move less if they’re not getting enough oxygen or nutrients, because they’re trying to conserve energy. That’s why paying attention to their usual pattern of movement is so important.
If you notice any changes, like a slowdown or fewer movements than usual, it’s best to get checked at the hospital as soon as possible. Acting quickly can make a real difference.
In fact, around half of mothers who experienced a stillbirth had noticed a decrease in their baby’s movements beforehand. So trust your instincts, if something feels different, don’t wait.
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UPCOMING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
SELF : There's More To Me Than What You See Exhibition
Ages 0 to 99+, everyone is invited to come along and play, reflect, and journey together through this thought-provoking exhibition.
Daily Libraries Rhyme Time
Rotherham Libraries’ Bookstart Rhymetime is for babies and preschoolers. Join to share stories, rhymes and songs, both old and new.
Free entry, no booking required.
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