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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
New Family Hub launches at Kiveton Park
 Big news for local families! The Kiveton Park & Wales Community Development Trust has opened a brand-new Family Hub at the Old Colliery Offices on Colliery Road, Kiveton. It’s designed for children from birth to preschool age and their families, a place to learn, play, and connect.
The launch event on 7th November was a huge success! Over 100 family members joined us for a fun-filled taster session, and we were thrilled to welcome the Mayor of Rotherham, Councillor Rukhsana Ismail, local authority representatives, and child-focused professionals. By the end of the day, 44 children were signed up to attend regular sessions with their parents and carers.
The hub is fully equipped, safe, and packed with exciting play resources, creating a warm, supportive space where parents can share experiences and learn from each other.
Our sessions are planned and led by Ross Cadman, our new coordinator with years of experience working with young children. Ross will also be on hand to support parents throughout.
Here’s what’s coming up in the first six weeks:
- Tiny Tales – interactive storytelling with play
- Messy Moments – creative messy play
- Baby Cubs Sensory Hub – sensory fun in our newly equipped activity and sensory rooms
- Christmas Party with Santa
Over the coming weeks, families can look forward to a variety of exciting themes that spark imagination and creativity. We’ll be diving into the world of The Gruffalo, exploring senses and colours, and getting hands-on with textures and nature. There’ll be bright and beautiful activities, music and movement sessions, and even a foam party for some extra fun! And as we head into December, we’ll finish with plenty of festive cheer to celebrate the season.
Want to join us? Call 01909 773348 for more details or an informal chat with Ross or Megan.
Join Thrybergh Tots & Toddlers Group every Thursday
“It’s a lovely big space for my child to explore. We come every week and always enjoy the activities.” That’s what one parent told us about Thrybergh Tots and Toddlers Group and we couldn’t agree more.
Every Thursday morning, from 10am to 11:30am during term time, Thrybergh Parish Hall becomes a hub of laughter, play, and discovery for little ones aged 0–5. No need to book, and it’s completely free. There’s even a baby self-weigh station for those who need it.
Step inside and you’ll find a bright, spacious hall filled with activities that change every week. We love keeping things fresh with new themes, whether it’s a magical fantasy world, winter wonderlands, or festive fun. Everything is planned with the Early Years Foundation Stage in mind, so your child is learning through play while making friends and building confidence.
December is packed with seasonal excitement: polar bears, winter crafts, and a special Christmas session on Thursday, 18th December, to wrap up the year. After a short break, we’ll be back on 8th January, ready for more adventures.
But it’s not just about the kids. Parents and carers tell us they love having a friendly space to meet others and share a chat over a cuppa. It’s a community as much as a playgroup, a place where children thrive, and families feel supported.
So why not pop in next Thursday? We’ll be waiting with a warm smile and plenty of fun for you and your little one.
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Activate Rawmarsh
Our toddlers had the best time last week at PEEP Bear Hunt session
It was packed with giggles, learning, and plenty of adventure. It’s amazing how something as simple as play can spark imagination and help little ones build important skills.
That’s what the PEEP Learning Together programme is all about, turning everyday moments like songs, stories, and play into powerful opportunities for growth.
For more information about activities and sessions at your local family and hub:
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Advice for Parents
Breastfeeding over Christmas
 Your first Christmas with your baby is such a special time, introducing them to family and friends, making memories, and enjoying the celebrations. But let’s be honest, it can also bring a few challenges for breastfeeding mums. With all the travelling, visitors, and excitement, feeding routines can easily get disrupted, which sometimes leads to issues like engorgement, blocked ducts, mastitis, or even a dip in milk supply.
Why does this happen? During the holidays, babies often have longer naps in the car, get passed around for cuddles, or feeds are cut short to fit in with busy schedules. Add in all the noise and stimulation, and little ones can become overtired and not feed long enough to fully empty the breast.
So, how can you make things easier? Here are a few simple tips:
Keep your baby close Especially in the early weeks, staying together helps maintain milk supply and reduces the risk of complications. Plus, it gives your baby plenty of antibodies to fight off seasonal bugs.
Don’t be afraid to ask for your baby back If your baby hasn’t fed for a while, is crying in someone else’s arms, or your breasts feel full, speak up. If it feels awkward, ask your partner or a family member to help.
When in doubt, offer a feed Breastfeeding isn’t just about milk—it’s comfort too. After lots of visitors and stimulation, your baby may want extra snuggles and longer feeds.
Get support early If you notice changes in your breasts or feeding patterns, reach out straight away. Continuing to feed on demand and removing milk from the breast is key to preventing and treating common issues.
And remember, help is available even over the festive period:
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0–19 Infant Feeding Team: Call 01709 423333
- Mon 22 – Wed 24 Dec: 9am–5pm
- Mon 29 – Wed 31 Dec: 9am–5pm
- Normal service resumes Fri 2 Jan
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Breastfeeding Drop-In: Tue 23 Dec, 10am–12pm at Greasbrough Library (no appointment needed)
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Breastfeeding Friend (NHS): Available anytime at www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life
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National Breastfeeding Helpline: Call 0300 100 0212 (day or night)
You’re doing an amazing job, just take things one feed at a time and enjoy those festive cuddles!
Parenting Support in Rotherham
Light Peer Support: You’re not alone
Pregnant or parenting a little one under two?
Feeling a bit isolated, low, or just in need of someone who understands?
We’ve got good news! Light is expanding its one-to-one and group support in Rotherham, so more families can get the help they need with perinatal mental health.
So, what is peer support? It’s simply people with similar experiences coming together in a safe, friendly space to share, listen, and support each other. Every one of Light’s peer support workers has been through their own perinatal mental health challenges, so they truly get it.
You don’t need a GP referral, just reach out and register.
Find out more about Light Peer Support and get in touch to register.
Find out more about Light Peer Support and take that first step towards feeling better today.
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New Perinatal Wrap Group
We’ve got something new for parents and parents-to-be!
Perinatal Wrap sessions are now running every week at the Fleming Gardens Wellbeing Hub in Rotherham, S66 2EY.
Prefer a group setting? Come along to the weekly sessions.
Want something more personal? they also offer flexible one-to-one support tailored just for you.
Interested? Just get in touch with Becca via email Rebecca.King@ywcayorkshire.org.uk or phone on 07864 054382
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Winter Healthy Holidays (HAF) Programme
Looking for something fun to do this winter? Our Healthy Holidays programme is packed with exciting activities for children and young people across Rotherham!
From arts and crafts to singing, dancing, and multi-sports sessions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is all about supporting children and families by offering:
- Plenty of physical activities to keep kids active and healthy
- A tasty, nutritious meal every day
- Helpful tips and advice for health and wellbeing
HAF is designed for children who receive benefit-related free school meals, as well as those supported by Early Help, Social Care, unaccompanied refugees, and home-educated families.
Come and join us for a holiday full of fun, learning, and wellbeing!
Check out what’s on and book your place here: Healthy Holidays – Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
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What Dads are saying about our groups
We love seeing dads at our sessions for children aged 0–5, and it’s something that happens more often than you might think! So, we asked a few of them what they enjoy most about coming along and here’s what they told us.
Marcus and Reid – Aston Stay and Play group
Meet Reid, he is one of our regulars, and he always comes along with his dad, Marcus. They both love popping in for a bit of fun and a chance to catch up with other families.
Marcus told us how much he appreciates the big, open space, which gives Reid plenty of room to play, crawl, and burn off some energy while making new friends.
Reid is a lively little one! He’s now crawling confidently and even starting to take a few steps. Marcus says the extra space makes a huge difference compared to home, which means Reid can move around freely and safely.
He’s also noticed how Reid watches the other children and copies what they do, which Marcus feels really helps with his development.
Marcus is glad the Family Hubs run groups like this locally. It’s a great way for him and Reid to meet other families and join in with activities. He also makes good use of the baby self-weigh service to keep track of Reid’s growth.
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Adam and Nancy
Why do you come to the family hub?
We come to the family Hub for stay and play because I believe it is very important for children to develop social skills as early as possible. With Nancy being an only child it can be difficult to have social interactions outside or a family hub style setting. On a personal level it is very good for my mental health to have these sorts of groups with other parents to avoid isolation.
What are the benefits of coming to the family hub for you and Nancy?
Nancy has been coming to the family hub for roughly a year now and has grown remarkably. It has made a huge difference in terms of her sharing with other children and interacting with activities that she wouldn’t get at home eg arts and crafts, seasonal activities and having an outside space in the summer. She also sees children of different age profiles which helps her understanding of things like potty training and to be gentle around smaller children. For me it has helped with my parenting as I can see what others are doing so you don’t suffer from the ‘im always doing everything wrong’ problem.
What do you like best about the family hub?
Having the space to interact with other parents and children, the constant changing of activities which helps Nancy with all sorts of skills but also brings out likes and dislikes which would have been much harder to know otherwise. Having the structure of singing time towards the end certainly has helped Nancy with taking turns and has improved her language skills. I also love how welcoming the other parents and especially the staff are. It has never felt awkward or like there are cliques between people.
What do you feel are the barriers for men coming to the family hub?
I suppose the ‘traditional’ family set-up means that it is mostly women and mums who would be available. It could also be a worry of being the only dad and therefore feeling self conscious and a feeling of being a secondary parent with a mother as a primary parent (not my feelings). I also believe the family hub needs to be better advertised, unless you follow on Facebook, it's hard to hear about.
For more information about activities and sessions at your local family and hub, please call 01709 914569.
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UPCOMING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Santa Visits Swinton Library Rhymetime!
Santa enjoyed himself so much at Swinton Library Rhymetime last year, he is coming again on Wednesday 17th December at 11am!
Join us at Rawmarsh Library and Neighbourhood Hub for a Stick Man Adventure
At the library you'll meet the Story Collector who will bring the story to life.
Then head off outdoors on a Stick Man adventure with games, challenges and a touch of Christmas sparkle
If you have visited a Family Hub recently, we would love your feedback.
If you have a few moments, we would be grateful if you could complete our short feedback form so we can continue to improve our offer.
Family Voice - Click the link to share your feedback
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