Welcome to the Christmas edition of the Family Info Service newsletter. It's full of ideas to make the most of the festive season!

Remember, we cover everything and anything to do with family life, so if you have a question, chances are we'll be able to help, or if we can't, we'll point you in the direction of someone who can. Find us on Facebook, Instagram or X. Call 01743 254400 or email ShropshireFIS@shropshire.gov.uk  

Switch onto Christmas

Festive farmers

If you have a child who is tractor mad then you won't want to miss the chance to see a procession of tractors, decorated in Christmas lights, trundling down a road near you. It is a magical sight to behold! You can find a list of tractor runs on our Family Information Directory

Santa spotting

Although Father Christmas is a very busy man, he still tries to get out and meet as many children as possible in the run up to Christmas. You might see him at a museum or castle, Christmas fair or on tour riding his sleigh. You may even get to have breakfast with him. Our Family Information Directory has a list of places we know he will visiting.

Festive fun

There are lots of things going on in the run up to, and throughout, the Christmas holidays, including:

• Free board games days at Shrewsbury and Oswestry libraries
• A Christmas Family Fun Day at Wrekin Forest School
• The Owl Who Came for Christmas at the Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury
• A Festive Christmas Tree Trail at Comer Woods, Bridgnorth

and loads more. We're adding new events all the time, so keep checking back!

Shropshire Holiday Activities and Food programme

Cool competitions

We've spotted two fun competitions for children to enter.

Design a front cover for the Hive competition

The Hive in Shrewsbury are looking for a budding artist to design the cover of their Spring 2025 What's On Guide. They are accepting submissions from children 5-11 years old, based around the theme of 'New Beginnings'. If your child would like to enter please do so by Friday 6 December 2024. Either email your design to vicki@hiveonline.org.uk or drop off your drawing at The Hive's Front Desk (5 Belmont, Shrewsbury, SY1 1TE)

Four seasons calendar competition

Severn Valley Country Park are asking visitors to enter photographs they have taken of the park from 1st June 2024 to 31st May 2025. They will be selecting 3 photographs from each season to go into a Severn Valley Country Park Calendar for 2026. All monies made from the sales of the calendar will support projects at the park.

Each season visitors will be able to submit 2 photographs (Click here for the entry form and full details.) If you are having trouble with the link, please email svcpcalendarcomp@gmail.com or call into the visitor centre for a copy. 

The competition has categories for under 10 year olds, Under 16 year olds and adults. Dates for submissions are:

• Autumn: 1st September 2024- 30th November 2024
• Winter: 1st December 2024- 28th February 2025
• Spring: 1st March 2025-31st May 2025

Photographers whose photograph/s are selected for the calendar will receive a copy of the calendar.

Brand new group for parents

Although they are small, having a baby will have a big impact on your life! Family Foundations is a brand new group designed to help you and your partner build on your strengths to prepare for becoming parents.

If you and your partner are expecting your first baby together, we would love for you to come to one of our free, online, no obligation info sessions to see if the group could be helpful for you.

Sessions last 45 minutes with the chance for questions at the end. Book your place by emailing parenting.team@shropshire.gov.uk You can choose from the following dates:

• Mon 9 Dec 2024, 1pm
• Fri 13 Dec 2024, 9.30am
• Wed 18 Dec 2024, 5pm

Arguing too much?

Worried about your relationship or feel you’re arguing too much? Not all arguing between parents is harmful but when it’s intense or happens a lot of the time, there can be a negative impact on the children.

We can find ways to argue ‘better’, resolve disputes and reduce the conflict at home.

We all want what’s best for our children. Getting on better with your co-parent or partner improves outcomes for your children. It also improves your wellbeing – two very good reasons to seek help if your relationship is going through a difficult phase.

Budgeting for Christmas

We know Christmas can be a really expensive time of year so here are our top tips for keeping the costs down.

• Are you receiving everything you are entitled to? Turn2Us is a charity who believes everyone in the UK should have financial security so they can thrive. They offer a free benefits calculator and grants search on their website. It only takes a few minutes to check if you are missing out on something you could be entitled to. https://www.turn2us.org.uk/
• Credit unions are not-for-profit organisations that provide savings, loans and a range of services to their members. There are two Credit Unions in Shropshire, Fair Share Credit Union https://www.fairshare.uk.com/fairshare-500-christmas-loan/ and Just Credit Union https://justcreditunion.org/loans/saver-loans/ Both offer Christmas loans to help you pay for this year and save towards next Christmas.
• You can get support with housing, energy and food costs through Shropshire Council's Cost of Living website. You can be referred to the foodbank by a professional who knows you, such as your housing association, GP, support worker or school. They can also refer you for a Christmas Food and Gift Hamper and schemes such as Santa's Little Stars who provide wrapped age-appropriate Christmas presents to children all over the county
• Our Family Information Directory has lots of free or low cost activities and events to make Christmas fun. 

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