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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.
The Rotherham Big Latch event
 The Big Latch event last month brought families together at Vetro Lounge, Forge Island, to celebrate breastfeeding and the different stages of the feeding journey. The event was organised by the Community Infant Feeding Team, with support from Family Hubs, Community Midwifery and Voluntary Action Rotherham, helping to raise awareness of local support available to families.
Families had the opportunity to speak with professionals, access information and sign up to their local Family Hub.
As part of Rotherham’s ambition to become a Breastfeeding Friendly Borough, Vetro Lounge also signed up as a breastfeeding‑friendly venue, showing their commitment to welcoming and supporting families.
If you run a business and would like to become part of the scheme, you can get in touch by email at rgh-tr.rotherhaminfantfeedingteam@nhs.net or call Vicky Wilkinson on 07789 935773.
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New Wellbeing Hub launch
We’re excited to share that Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) Yorkshire has opened a new Wellbeing Hub, creating a safe and welcoming space for women, children and families to come together, access support and improve their wellbeing within the community.
YWCA Yorkshire has been supporting families locally since the 1940s, developing a range of specialist programmes to help overcome barriers and support people to live happy, confident and independent lives. This new hub builds on that long‑standing work, offering a space where families can connect, feel supported and thrive.
Diane Offer, CEO of YWCA Yorkshire, shared: “The Wellbeing Hub is an amazing resource, however projects like this don’t happen alone. They come to life because people believe in the vision and invest in making it happen. We’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported the hub, with special thanks to RMBC and Voluntary Action Rotherham Family Hubs. Your support has made a real difference, not only to the people we support, but to the wider community.”
This new space is a fantastic addition to support families across Rotherham.
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Community Action in Swinton
 Following a really positive engagement and a quick safety chat, a small group of young people took the initiative to head out into their local area and carry out a litter pick around the Fitzwilliam Estate in Swinton. Their efforts made an immediate difference – together they cleared two large bags of litter from the park area, helping to create a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming space for everyone who uses it.
It was fantastic to see the young people take pride in their surroundings, work as a team, and show real commitment to making a positive change. For many, this was their first experience of community volunteering, and they approached it with enthusiasm and a strong sense of responsibility.
This activity is just the beginning. The group are keen to get involved again and will soon be taking part in further volunteering opportunities. Their ongoing efforts will contribute towards achieving an ASDAN Award in Volunteering, giving them the chance to gain a recognised accreditation while building valuable skills such as teamwork, communication, and community awareness.
This was a great example of young people stepping up, supporting their community, and realising the impact they can have when given the opportunity. We’re looking forward to seeing what they do next!
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Volunteer spotlight
Before she was even officially part of Family Hubs & Voluntary Action Rotherham, Emma was already jumping in helping tidying up, setting up and helping wherever she could!
After a chat with our Family Hubs Navigator, she became an “official” volunteer and hasn’t looked back since
From tuff trays, snack prep, storytime & obviously doing all the actions to Wheels on the Bus, Emma does it all and so perfectly!
We honestly couldn’t do it without you. Thank you Emma, you’re amazing! We value what you give so much
You’ll find Emma at High Street Centre Rawmarsh, at their Baby & toddler groups
On Wednesdays, 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 2:30pm
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Peep Antenatal programme
The Peep Antenatal Programme supports expectant parents to build a strong bond with their baby before birth, helping them understand early development, emotions and learning. It’s a great opportunity to gain practical skills, build confidence and connect with other parents‑to‑be in a relaxed, supportive environment.
Sessions focus on preparing for life with a new baby while encouraging positive parent‑baby relationships from the very beginning.
We have two upcoming 5‑week programmes, both running on Wednesdays:
- Starting Wednesday 3 June to Wednesday 1 July from 10am to 11am at Maltby Stepping Stones Family hub
- Starting Wednesday 22 July to Wednesday 19 August from 1pm to 2pm at The Place Family hub.
Come along to meet other parents and feel more prepared for your new arrival.
If you’d like more information or want to book a session, just drop us an email at peep@rotherham.gov.uk.
Staying safe in hot weather
 When the weather gets warmer, it’s important to take simple steps to keep you and your family safe. Hot weather can lead to dehydration, overheating and illness, especially for young children and older adults.
Try to keep cool by staying in the shade during the hottest part of the day (11am to 3pm), drinking plenty of fluids, and wearing light, loose clothing and sun protection.
Keeping your home cool and checking in on others who may need extra support can also make a big difference.
If you’d like more tips on how to stay safe during hot weather, you can read the full guidance online here
Looking after your mental wellbeing
 If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need someone to talk to, Qwell offers free, safe and confidential online support for adults aged 18 and over who are registered with a Rotherham GP. The service is available 24/7, with no referral needed, so you can access support whenever it suits you.
You can find out more or get started here
You are invited to a Walking Books event
 You are invited to join a Walking Books session at Clifton Park (Garden Room) on Wednesday 1 July, 11am to 1pm.
This social event will bring people together to listen to the same audiobook while walking through the park, followed by a group discussion.
The session is designed to encourage connection, support wellbeing and make reading more accessible and social.
To take part, please bring headphones and dress for the weather. You can sign up in advance with Rotherham Libraries and the BorrowBox app or get set up on the day.
Please RSVP to support planning.
We would like to learn about about the views, opinions and experiences of families living in Rotherham.
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
Children’s Story Stop: Celebrating Pride Month!
We’ll be sharing Pride themed stories that celebrate kindness, individuality, and being proud of who you are.
Free, family-friendly and all are welcome but children must be accompanied by an adult.
Date: Saturday 13 June.
Location: Mowbray Gardens Library and Neighbourhood Hub
Cost: Free
Time: 11am to 12pm
Weekly Rhymetime at Thorpe Hesley Library and Neighbourhood Hub
Free Rhymetime session for 0 to 5 year old and their adults.
Free session of singing and dancing in time to a wonderful mix of old and new nursery rhymes, followed by Storytime.
Come and join in the fun with us every Tuesday and Thursday starting at 10:30am.
Location: Thorpe Hesley Library and Neighbourhood Hub
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