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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 big adventure at Crowden
The North Outreach & Engagement Team recently took 20 young people on a two‑night residential at Crowden Outdoor Education Centre, where they enjoyed a mix of outdoor adventures and team challenges. Across the three days, they took part in activities like crate stacking, archery, orienteering, hill walking and abseiling, with plenty of time in the evenings for games, socialising and working towards their ASDAN Residential award.
The trip gave everyone a chance to build confidence, try new experiences and spend time away from their phones, with many young people pushing themselves further than they expected. The impact was clear, several came home feeling more independent, more resilient and proud of what they had achieved, with one young person even saying they wished they could stay longer.
A big thank you goes to the staff at Crowden and the North Outreach & Engagement team for making the residential such a positive and memorable experience for everyone involved.
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Mud, Rocks, Rain, Sleet, Snow and Windy Weather made for a Great Day out!
 The South Outreach & Engagement Team took a group of young people from Thurcroft to Crowden Outdoor Education Centre in Derbyshire for a fantastic day during the Half Term focused on building confidence, resilience, and positive relationships through nature and shared experiences.
Despite the weather, the group threw themselves into weaselling and crate stacking, embracing every challenge and having the best time slip sliding through the mud. The day offered a safe and supportive environment for growth, wellbeing, and plenty of physical activity, perfectly capturing the purpose of the DfE funding Adventures Away from Home which helps young people aged 11–18 gain new experiences away from home.
Feedback included…
“I’ve been struggling with anxiety and rarely leave the house. This has been exactly what I needed! Can we do another day out?”
“Never dun anything like this before, was brilliant”
“My legs were shaking on the crate stack, so proud to got as high as we did”
“Weaselling was my favourite, I thought ‘no way’ and then I got through!”
“Big thank you to the instructors and centre manager, the centre, activities and food were ace”.
Thurcroft Children’s 0-Walkers Group
Last week at Thurcroft Children’s 0‑Walkers, we set up a lovely sensory‑themed session for our little ones. The babies explored black‑and‑white resources along with natural and metal treasure baskets, giving them lots of chances to use their growing senses. Our groups run term‑time only, and you can also self‑weigh your baby while you’re with us.
Everyone really enjoyed the session, and we finished with rhymes and songs from our song box , a lovely way to support early communication.
One parent told us, “Today was our first time at 0‑Walkers. We felt very welcome and everyone was so friendly. There were lots of sensory toys to choose from. We’ll definitely be back next week!”
Maltby Stepping Stones Garden Project
 We’re getting really excited for spring here at the Garden Project. Our brand‑new polytunnel is up and ready, which means we’ll be able to grow even more fruit and veg this season. Alongside all the produce, we’ve planted lots of lovely flowers that will soon start to bloom and bring in bees, wasps and other helpful insects to pollinate our crops.
Keep an eye out over the next few months, the garden is about to come to life!
Tots and Toddlers
Come and join us this Friday at Highfield Farm Tots & Toddler Group.
We’ll be diving into different books and meeting lots of fun characters together. There’ll be a choice of story sacks to explore and plenty of cosy reading spots where you can snuggle up and enjoy a book with your little one.
Matty and Kerry will be there to welcome you at Highfield Farm Tots & Toddler Group, Highfield Farm School, Stokewell Road, West Melton, S63 6NF , every Friday from 9:30am to 10:45am during term time. There’s also a separate baby area and self‑weigh facilities available.
It’s free, there’s no need to book, and it’s perfect for children aged 0–5.
One mum told us: “I’ve been coming on Friday mornings with my little girl, and I just wanted to say how brilliant Kerry and Matty are. It always feels so welcoming, and the activities are so well thought‑out that they really encourage the children to play and get involved. They know all the families, too, which is lovely to see.”
For more sessions like this, search Rotherham Early Help North on Facebook or call 01709 914569
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Saturday Family Hub Club
We’re now running our Saturday Family Hub Club once a month in our family hubs and local community spaces, and everyone is welcome. These sessions are perfect for little ones, with lots of play, crafts and fun at the heart of everything we do, The session is aimed at 0-5yrs but siblings up to 11 are welcome to join in.
Our next session has a lovely spring theme, so why not come along and join us at Ferham Family Hub and Children’s Centre? We’ll be set up in the Sports Hall, ready for a morning of Spring‑themed fun.
Saturday 25 April, 10am to 11:30am
Keep an eye out for our Facebook pages or call your local team on 01709 914569 to know the next session in your area
We’d love to see you there!
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Grimm & Dads
 Having positive social connections is such an important part of staying happy and healthy, and we want to help build a space where families can meet others who are going through similar experiences. We’ve got a range of free sessions coming up, and everyone is welcome to join in.
All events will take place at Grimm & Co, Ship Hill, Rotherham, S60 2HG.
If you’d like to come along, you can book your place here
Advice for Babies
Baby Group
Our baby group is a calm and friendly space for newborns and early walkers, giving parents and carers a chance to relax, socialise and enjoy time with their little ones. Each session includes gentle sensory play, singing and other activities to help support early development while you meet other families.
We meet every Thursday from 10:30 to 11:30am, term time only, at The Place Family Hub, Coleridge Road, S65 1LW.
We’d love to see you and your little one there!
Keep an eye out for our Facebook pages or call your local team on 01709 914569 to know our next session.
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Learning through play this Spring
Through the PEEP Learning Together Through Play programme, we’ve been spending time with families across Rotherham, helping them understand how play at home can support their child’s development. One of the things we offer is our “Things to do at home” ideas, which give families simple, fun activities they can try to help with everything from communication and early maths language to building confidence through running, jumping and climbing. Now that spring and summer are on the way, it’s the perfect time to get outdoors and explore, there’s so much learning that can happen just by being outside.
We’re running sessions across different Family Hubs in March:
Maltby Stepping Stones Family Hub – Wednesday 25 March, 10 to 11am The Place Family Hub – Monday 30 March, 10 to11am
If you’d like more information or want to book a session, just drop us an email at peep@rotherham.gov.uk.
And keep an eye out soon we’ll be launching PEEP Talk, all about supporting communication and language, as well as PEEP Antenatal to help parents prepare for the journey into parenthood.
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Light peer support group
If you’re pregnant or have a little one under two, and you’ve been feeling lonely, low or a bit cut off, you’re not on your own, support is available. Light has expanded its one‑to‑one and group sessions in Rotherham so even more families can get help with perinatal mental health.
There’s a new group running at Wath Trinity Church Fridays from 10:30am to 12pm, offering a calm space to talk and connect.
Their peer support is really special because you’re spending time with people who get it, Light’s team all have their own lived experience, so you’ll always be listened to without any judgement.
You don’t need a GP referral.
To find out more or to register, just email contactus@lightpeersupport.org.uk.
We would like to learn about about the views, opinions and experiences of families living in Rotherham.
Every newsletter we will share a different question. All information provided will help to shape and improve Family Hub services in Rotherham.
Click the link to share your feedback
UPCOMING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Weekly Breastfeeding Advice and Support Group at Greasbrough Library and Neighbourhood Hub
Join our Breastfeeding Group, a relaxed and friendly space where mothers can connect, share and learn together.
Date: Tuesday 3 March 2026 to Wednesday 3 March 2027, Recurs weekly on Tuesday
26 March and the 2 April - Easter Crafts at Kimberworth Library
Bring the family along for some creative Easter excitement at Kimberworth Library!
Join us on Thursday 26 March and Thursday 2 April, from 2pm to 3pm, for a fun-filled crafting session perfect for children of all ages.
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