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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
Garden Project
We’re really pleased to welcome our first volunteer to the Garden Project at Maltby Stepping Stones. Stephen joined us through Voluntary Action Rotherham and brings with him a real love of gardening. As a retired teacher, supporting our growing allotment is a perfect way for him to stay busy and share his skills.
The garden is a special space for families and young people to come together to learn about growing, caring for plants and spending time outdoors.
We’re so grateful that Stephen has chosen to give his time to support the project, and his help will make a real difference as our garden continues to grow and develop as a learning space for the whole community.
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A huge thank you to everyone who came along to our very first Saturday Club!
Our Spring Fling was a big success – we danced our socks off, played lots of games, and got wonderfully messy with crafts!
If you enjoyed the fun and even if you missed it! keep your eyes peeled for our next Saturday Club session – there’s plenty more fun to come!
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Celebrating National Weaning Week - 13 May to 17 May
 Weaning is an important milestone, and for many parents and carers it can feel both exciting and overwhelming. From knowing when to start, to what foods to offer and how to introduce them safely, there’s lots to think about – and no two babies are the same.
Across Rotherham, our Family Hubs and partners are on hand to help families feel confident and supported every step of the way. We can offer friendly advice on first foods, safe eating, textures, allergies, and how to make mealtimes a positive experience for everyone. Most importantly, we’re here to reassure parents that it’s okay to take things at their baby’s pace.
We’d encourage families to reach out to their local Family Hub, attend a session, or speak to a member of the team if they have any questions about weaning. Small steps, lots of patience, and plenty of smiles (and mess!) all help make this a really special time.
For more information on weaning, visit Rotherham's Children's Public Health Nursing Service (0-19) | The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust and Best Start in Life - Best Start in Life
Support for parents during pregnancy and early parenthood
Are you pregnant or caring for a little one under two? If you’ve been feeling low, isolated, or just in need of someone who understands, support is available for you.
Light offers both one‑to‑one and group support in Rotherham to help parents with their perinatal mental health.
Light’s peer support is all about sharing space with people who truly get it. Their peer support workers have lived experience of perinatal mental health challenges themselves, so you’ll be listened to with understanding and without judgement, in a safe and friendly environment.
You don’t need a GP referral, just reach out and register to get the support you need.
Find out more about Light Peer Support and take that first step towards feeling better today.
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Baby Massage
Our next Baby Massage group takes place on Friday 15 May and offers a calm, supportive space for parents and carers to learn gentle massage techniques for their baby. The sessions help build confidence while also supporting common infant concerns such as colic, constipation, teething and sleep.
Baby massage is a lovely way to bond with your baby, encouraging closeness and comfort in a relaxed environment where your baby’s needs always come first. Parents are welcome to feed, change or comfort their baby at any time. The small‑group setting also gives parents the chance to connect with one another, share experiences and build supportive friendships.
To make enquiries, call 01709 914569
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Active Start – Supporting healthy habits early on
 Being active from an early age helps children grow, learn and feel confident. For under‑5s, movement supports everything from physical strength and coordination to communication, emotions and getting ready for school. Little ones should have lots of chances to move every day through simple, fun play like tummy time, crawling, climbing, dancing and exploring outdoors.
Active play doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive ,everyday play is often the best way to support healthy habits from the very beginning.
Our Family Hub teams are trained in Active Start, so if you’d like ideas or want to find out more about supporting your child’s movement and play, just have a chat with a member of the team.
Potty Training
 Image credit - NHS UK
Potty training is an important milestone, but every child is different and there’s no set age for starting. Many children are ready between 2 and 3, but it’s best to wait for signs like staying dry for longer, showing interest in the potty, or following simple instructions. Keeping things calm, positive and pressure‑free helps children build confidence, and accidents are a normal part of learning.
If you’d like more support or advice around potty training, speak to a health visitor or early years professional to find out more.
Healthy screen time for under‑5s
 Screens are part of everyday life, but for children under five, it’s important to keep a healthy balance.
Experts recommend avoiding screen time for under‑2s (except for things like video calls with family) and keeping screen use to around an hour a day for ages 2 to 5.
Focusing on slow and age‑appropriate content can really support young children’s development.
If you’d like to learn more about healthy screen habits for under‑5s, you can read the full guidance here.
Advice for Older Children
Walk to School Week: Small steps, big benefits
 Image Credit: Living Streets Uk
Walk to School Week is a great opportunity for children, families and schools to celebrate the benefits of travelling to school actively. Taking part is about more than just getting from A to B – it’s about improving health, building confidence, and helping our communities and environment.
Walking, cycling or scooting to school helps children to stay active and supports both physical and mental wellbeing. Even a short walk each day can make a real difference, helping children arrive at school feeling more alert, relaxed and ready to learn. It also supports the development of important life skills, such as road safety awareness, independence and social skills, as children chat and connect with friends on the way.
We know that walking the whole journey isn’t always possible, and that’s okay. Families are encouraged to take part in a way that works for them – whether that’s walking the entire route, parking a little further away and walking the last ten minutes, or choosing one or two days during the week to travel actively.
By working together, we can make the school journey healthier, safer and more enjoyable for everyone. Let’s lace up our shoes, grab our coats, and take some small steps that make a big difference.
The Festival of Stories is back!
 Grimm & Co’s much‑loved Festival of Stories returns to this May for a week of storytelling, creative workshops and family‑friendly fun. Highlights include a special day celebrating Julia Donaldson, plus plenty of magical events to spark imaginations of all ages.
Most events are free, but places are limited, so booking ahead is recommended.
Events will take place at Grimm & Co’s Emporium of Stories and other venues across the borough.
Book your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/grimm-amp-co-8635099518
Animal Meet & Greet
Join 'Animal Ark Travelling Zoo' to meet and handle different animals like geckos, owls, skinny pigs, snakes and more!
Happening Wednesday 27 May, 12:30pm and 2pm at Clifton Park Garden Room.
Booking is required to attend.
Call 01709336660 to book now.
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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
Nelson's Cub Club: Hop! at Boston Castle
Nelson has some new friends that have hopped over to Boston Castle to say hello, can you spot them as you come into the grounds?
We will be outside for some of the session. Please dress yourself and your child appropriately.
Booking is not required but spaces are limited. Please arrive on time to secure a place.
Date: Tuesday 26 May
Location: Boston Castle Boston Castle Grove, Rotherham, S60 2BD
Cost: Free
Time: 11am to 12pm
Half Term Fun at Dinnington Library & Neighbourhood Hub
Colouring, treasure hunts, board games, LEGO and lots and lots of BOOKS!
Booking Essential - Please contact the Library on 01709334426 to book your place.
Date: Tuesday 26 to Friday 29 May
Time: 10am to11am & 2pm to 3pm
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