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Happy new year 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
A Roaring Good Time at Our Dinosaur Play Session
Last month, The Place Family Hub's team hosted a Harry and His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs play session and our toddlers had an amazing time. The room was turned into a mini dinosaur world, full of stomps, roars and excited little explorers.
Children enjoyed hatching frozen dinosaur eggs, digging through sensory trays to find hidden dinosaurs, making fossil prints with scented playdough, and even having a giggle at the (very messy!) dinosaur “poop” station. The swamp play was another favourite, giving little hands plenty to squish and explore.
Thank you to all the families who joined us, we loved seeing your children’s imaginations come alive.
Keep an eye out on our Facebook pages or contact your local team to know our next themed session.
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Expecting a baby? Pop into your local Family Hub!
If you’re preparing to welcome a little one, why not come along to one of our Family Hubs and discover the free support available to you? We’ve recently launched a brand‑new monthly event especially for expectant families, and it’s already proving really popular.
These sessions are a great chance to meet our Outreach and Engagement team, sign up to the Family Hub, chat with other parents‑to‑be, and enjoy a cuppa and a slice of cake. You’ll also be able to speak to professionals like breastfeeding support workers, all in a friendly, relaxed setting. There’s no need to book, just drop in and pick up your goody bag.
Our next session is on Tuesday 27 January, 4:30pm to 5:30pm, at Ferham Family and Children’s Centre.
Alice and her partner came along to a session back in June when she was expecting their baby, Finlay. Since then, they’ve become a regular part of the Family Hub community. Here’s what she had to say:
“I found the Bump to Baby session really good and so welcoming. It was lovely to come back after Finlay was born to a familiar place with familiar faces. Going to groups on your own with a newborn can feel daunting, but this session made it so much easier. It also helped to know when and where different groups were running.”
Alice explained that she’d been nervous about being at home alone with her baby, so having free sessions to attend and other parents to meet made a real difference.
Since that first visit, Alice has taken part in all sorts of activities, including breastfeeding support at Maltby Stepping Stones Family Hub, baby massage at Kiveton Library, the 0–walkers group at Dinnington Family and Children’s Centre, the family photographer session, and seasonal events like the Christmas disco at The Centre in Brinsworth.
“I’ve already recommended the session to a friend who’s pregnant,” Alice told us.
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Advice for Parents
How do you know when it’s time to start potty training?
 Did you know that families in Britain spend around £400 a year on nappies and wipes? Starting potty training earlier can help save money and make life a bit easier too.
Potty training isn’t something that happens all at once. It’s a step‑by‑step process, and children can start practising sitting on a potty or toilet as soon as they can sit up by themselves.
Research shows that it’s best for your child’s bladder and bowel health if they stop using nappies between 18 and 30 months. And if your baby or child has SEND, you don’t need to wait to start. Toilet training is about learning new skills, and these can be taught with extra support and a clear routine.
The longer you leave it, the harder it can be for your child to get used to the new routine and feel confident without nappies. Starting early and practising little and often can make a big difference.
Download the guide here
Breastfeeding
 Breastfeeding is a skill that takes time to get the hang of. Lots of mums wonder if their baby's feeding well and getting enough – especially in the first few days.
But once you've mastered it, you'll probably find it's the easiest and most satisfying way to feed your baby.
See here for helpful information and advice on breastfeeding.
If you have any breastfeeding worries or concerns, the best thing to do is speak to your midwife or health visitor.
Baby Massage for you and your little one
Baby Massage is one of our most popular groups, and it’s easy to see why. Our team delivers the 'To Baby and Beyond' Infant Massage course over four weeks, gently introducing new massage strokes each session.
By the end of the programme, parents and carers feel confident using massage to help with common baby worries like colic, constipation, teething, and settling to sleep.
The group is a relaxed, friendly space where your baby’s needs always come first. You’re encouraged to feed, change, or comfort your baby whenever they need it, there’s no pressure and no rush. It’s all about creating a calm and safe environment.
For many mums, baby massage is the very first group they attend with their little one. It’s a lovely way to bond, helping your body release oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormone that supports connection.
Because the sessions are delivered in small groups, there’s also plenty of time to chat, share experiences, and begin building a supportive circle of other parents going through the same stage of life.
Dads are welcome too and we encourage parents to where possible to come together and take it in turns.
Visit our Facebook pages or contact your local team to stay in the loop with other free family activities near you
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Learn Why Vaccinations Matter
 Some infectious illnesses can make children very unwell. In some cases, they can even cause long‑term health problems or be life‑threatening. Vaccinations help protect children from these diseases.
Vaccines work by preparing your child’s immune system to recognise and fight infections. They contain a tiny amount of a weakened germ, or just a small part of it. This is enough to teach the body how to respond without causing the illness itself.
After a vaccine, your child’s immune system learns to “remember” the infection. So if they ever come into contact with it in the future, their body can quickly produce antibodies to fight it off and keep them safe.
Because vaccines have been used so widely and successfully in the UK, serious diseases like diphtheria are now very rare.
You can learn more about childhood immunisations here.
Make the Most of Winter Moments Together
Getting outside in the winter can do wonders for you and your child. Even a short walk can turn into a lovely moment of learning and connection.
The changing seasons are a great chance to introduce new words and spark your child’s curiosity.
As you’re walking, talk about what they notice: the cold air, the crunch of leaves, the colours in the sky. If you’re able to, try heading out as it starts to get dark and chat about the lights, shadows, and sounds you can see and hear.
You don’t need extra time in your day to do this. These small activities can happen on the way to the bus stop, nursery, the shops, or anywhere you’re already going.
A few minutes of talking, noticing, and sharing can make a big difference to your child’s learning and confidence.
For more ideas on what to do together, see here
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Safer sleep in winter
Winter can be a challenging time for families. With the cost of living crisis and worries about heating our homes, it’s understandable to worry about keeping your baby warm. The recommended room temperature for a baby’s sleep space is 16 – 20°C. This can be harder to maintain when it’s cold outside.
While it can be tempting to wrap your baby up to keep them warm and cosy, it’s important to remember that it’s possible for them to overheat, and this increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). In fact, research has shown that babies are safer when they’re a little bit cooler, rather than too hot.
See here for more information on safer sleep
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What is the LOVE hormone? Oxytocin
In those early weeks, both mums and babies release oxytocin throughout the day, during feeding, cuddles, eye contact, and time spent close together. Oxytocin helps mums feel calmer and more relaxed, reduces stress, supports bonding, and helps the body heal.
For babies, oxytocin is really important for brain development. The more safe, loved, and secure they feel, the more oxytocin is released, helping strong brain connections to form.
When breastfeeding, oxytocin helps release milk and supports milk supply. When bottle feeding, the same hormone is released by holding your baby close, making eye contact, talking softly, and enjoying skin‑to‑skin contact.
You can boost oxytocin in simple ways every day by cuddling, responding to your baby’s cues, baby massage, talking or singing, kissing them, and keeping them close. Comforting your baby helps them feel safe and supported.
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Light Peer Support
Are you pregnant, or do you have a child under two?
If you’ve been feeling lonely, low, or a bit isolated, support is here for you.
Light has expanded its one‑to‑one and group sessions in Rotherham, so even more families can get help with perinatal mental health. This change has come directly from parent and carer feedback, making sure the support meets real needs.
Peer support means spending time with people who understand what you’re going through. Light’s peer support workers have their own lived experience, so you can feel listened to and supported without judgment.
You don’t need a GP referral. To find out more or to register, email contactus@lightpeersupport.org.uk.
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You are invited to our next Parent Drop-in group.
If you would like the opportunity to meet other parents or feel you need a little emotional support, please know that we are here to help. We have created a friendly and welcoming space with complimentary coffee and cake to help you feel at ease.
You are more than welcome to bring your baby along. We have a comfortable area equipped with sensory toys where you can play safely with your baby.
When - Tuesday 10 February, from 10am to 1pm
Where - JADE Youth and Community - part of the Rotherham Family Hub Network, The Cabin in the car park, S25 2EX.
We look forward to seeing you there.
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Arctic Adventure at The Place Family Hub
Looking for a fun way to keep the little ones entertained come along to our Arctic Adventure session!
It is a great opportunity for children to explore the world of Arctic animals through a variety of engaging activities. We will have plenty to keep them busy, including:
- Creative arts and crafts
- Interactive sensory play
- Storytime and singing
It is a wonderful chance for children to play and for parents to connect in a friendly environment.
When: Thursday 15 January, 10:30am to 11:30am
Where: The Place Family Hub, Coleridge Road, S65 1LW
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UPCOMING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Weekly Rhymetime at Dinnington Library and Neighbourhood Hub
A fun and friendly song and story session for under 5's.
No booking necessary.
19 January 2026 - Winnie the Pooh Day at Kimberworth Library
Come join us for a special Winnie the Pooh themed Rhymetime featuring stories, songs and rhymes for under 5's.
No booking necessary
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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