|
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.
Could you do with a bit of support, or simply want to meet other parents?
Kirsty shared how attending a group at her local Family Hub has helped her and made a real difference for her twins, Chase and Levi, building their confidence and helping her meet other parents.
If you've ever felt like you could do with a bit of support, advice or just a place to connect with other families, that's exactly what Family Hubs are there for. We offer a range of groups, activities and services designed to help you get the support and opportunities you need to give your child the best start in life and support them to adulthood.
Watch Kirsty's story here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/2067860657274839
To find out what's available at your local Family Hub, keep an eye out for our Facebook pages or contact your local team:
We'd love to welcome you.
|
Supporting families with vaccinations
The Rotherham Health Visiting Team is taking part in a national pilot scheme designed to help families access childhood vaccinations more easily. The project aims to support families who may face barriers to attending appointments or who would like extra time to discuss any questions or concerns.
The scheme complements existing GP services and is currently available to families registered with Shakespeare Road Surgery. Families can be referred by their Health Visitor or GP.
The Health Visiting Team has specialist training in childhood vaccinations and is available to provide clear, friendly advice and support to help families make informed choices.
For more information, speak to your Health Visitor or GP, or call 01709 423333.
Healthy Holidays returns for summer 2026
Looking for activities to keep children active, engaged and having fun over the summer holidays?
Rotherham Healthy Holidays is back with a wide range of free holiday clubs and activities for eligible children and young people from Reception to Year 11.
Sessions include sports, arts and crafts, performing arts, and more, with a healthy meal provided at each session.
Funded places are available for eligible families, including children receiving benefits-related free school meals. Families will need a HAF code from their school, Early Help worker or social worker to book.
Looking for a free way to keep your child busy this summer?
Why not sign them up for the Summer Reading Challenge at your local Rotherham library?
This year's theme, Read to the Beat, combines music and storytelling to make reading fun, helping children build confidence, develop new skills and discover books they love. Children can read books, comics or listen to audiobooks, collect rewards and earn a certificate along the way.
Better still, children who complete the challenge will be invited to a special celebration event at Magna in October.
Sign up for free at your local library or visit the Summer Reading Challenge website to find out more. A range of free activities will also be taking place in Rotherham libraries throughout the summer.
Young people learn lifesaving water safety skills
The North Area Family Hubs Team recently took seven young people to Manvers Lake for a fun and engaging open water safety session at the Waterfront Boathouse. After a safety briefing, the group put on life jackets and enjoyed getting into the water with qualified lifeguards, building confidence while learning vital safety skills in a hands-on and memorable way.
The young people were fantastic throughout, well behaved, fully engaged, and eager to take part, asking thoughtful questions and throwing themselves into every activity, which helped bring the learning to life. The session struck a perfect balance between fun and education, giving young people an exciting experience while equipping them with important knowledge about the risks of open water, particularly relevant given recent incidents reported nationally.
For many, this was a new opportunity they might not otherwise have had, and it clearly made an impact. The day was full of energy, laughter, and learning, highlighting how Family Hubs continue continues to create positive, meaningful experiences that help young people grow, stay safe and try something new.
Safe sleep and keeping your baby safe
When you have a new baby, it's natural to have lots of questions about safe sleep and keeping them safe at home. A series of short, easy-to-watch videos is now available covering topics such as safer sleep, co-sleeping, safe sleeping environments, choking, water safety, falls and other common accidents.
The videos offer simple, practical advice to help you make informed choices and feel more confident about keeping your little one safe.
Being school-ready isn’t about children being able to read or write before they start school. It’s about helping them feel confident, capable and excited for this next step.
Establishing routines and practising simple life skills can make a real difference.
|
Understanding your child from toddler to teenager
Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, but there is support available. Learn how to better understand children’s behaviour, emotions and development from 6 months through to 19 years. Explore topics such as communication, emotional wellbeing, parenting styles, sleep, managing big feelings and building positive relationships in this free course
|
Need someone to talk to?
If you're feeling stressed, overwhelmed, anxious or low, support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through Shout, a free, confidential text messaging service for anyone in South Yorkshire.
Simply text EYUP to 85258 to connect with a trained mental health professional. There's no need for a referral, and support is available whenever you need it.
|
Rotherham Uplift Festival 2026
There’s plenty to look forward to this summer with the return of Rotherham Uplift Festival. The celebrations begin with a free, ticketed Roller Disco in the town centre on Friday 17 July, including a dedicated session for young people aged 14 and over.
The main Uplift Festival takes place on Saturday 18 July, 12pm to 4pm, bringing a wide range of free activities for children, young people and families to enjoy. From freestyle football, dance and music to BMX, scootering, basketball, parkour and interactive games, there will be something for everyone to try.
Popular Uplift Pop-Up events will also return throughout the summer holidays, offering activities in parks and community spaces across the borough.
It’s a fantastic opportunity for families to get active, try something new and enjoy a fun-filled summer together.
Read more about Uplift Festival here
|
Ferham Festival Returns This Summer
Looking for a free family day out? Ferham Festival returns to Ferham Park on Saturday 11 July, from 1pm to 4pm, with a packed programme of activities for all ages. Families can enjoy live performances, creative workshops, sports activities, community stalls and plenty of opportunities to get involved.
There will be activities from organisations including Family Hubs, Grimm & Co, Rotherham Museums, Rotherham United, Rotherham BMX and Novacity Parkour, as well as information and support from local services and community groups.
The event is free to attend and everyone is welcome.
|
Parent Drop-In Group
Looking after a little one can be busy, so why not take some time for yourself?
Join the Time for You Too Parent Drop-In Group for a free tea or coffee, a friendly chat and support from people who understand. Babies are welcome, with toys and a cosy space available while you relax and connect with other parents.
Whether you'd like practical advice, emotional support or simply some company, you'll always find a warm welcome.
Please email abi@jadedinnington.org for more information.
Location: The Jade Centre, New St, Dinnington, Sheffield S25 2EX
|
Summer Festival of Reading
Looking for something fun to do with your little ones this summer? Join us for a series of free storytelling and creative pop-up sessions inspired by What the Ladybird Heard before our South Yorkshire Reading Network: The Mayor’s Little Big Book Club main free event on Saturday 22 August at Clifton Park Garden Room 11am to 2pm.
Come along on Wednesday 29 July at Maltby Stepping Stones, Thursday 30 July at The Place Family Hub, or Friday 31July at Brookfield Family Hub to enjoy storytelling, sensory play and creative activities designed to spark your child's imagination and love of reading.
|
Remember to save the date for Saturday 22 August, when we'll be bringing families together for the South Yorkshire Reading Network: The Mayor’s Little Big Book Club. On the day there will be a pop-up farm, storytelling, face painting, balloon modelling and much much more. More details coming soon!
|
UPCOMING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Jingle Jellyfish and under the sea windchimes at Mowbray Gardens Library
Places are limited so please telephone 01709 370038 to book.
Alternatively come along and see what Mowbray Gardens Library has to offer.
Date: Monday 27 July.
Location: Mowbray Gardens Library and Neighbourhood Hub
Cost: Free
Time: 2pm to 4pm
Nelson's Cub Club: Buzz! at Boston Castle
Nelson and his friends love to look for bugs around Rotherham! Did you know Boston Castle has a large garden area bursting with flowers of all different kinds!
Date: Tuesday 28 July.
Cost: Free
Time: 11am to 12pm
|
