Welcome to our February newsletter. Are you feeling ready for the half term holiday? There are lots of activities and events going on for the whole family to enjoy. 

Remember, here at the Family Info Service 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  

Fun for all the family this half term

There are lots of exciting activities and events happening across the county this half term including:

• Free drumming workshops in Oswestry
• Valentines Roller Disco in Market Drayton
• Free Building Brick fun at the Darwin Shopping Centre, Shrewsbury
• Free Valentines Cookery and Craft session in Ludlow
• Bubbles and Balloons at Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms
• Jack and Beans Puppet show in Bridgnorth
• Bishop's Castle Arts Festival

You can find a full list of what is going on in your area, by visiting our Family Information Directory.

Clubs to keep the kids busy

If you need childcare, or just something to keep the kids busy this half term, take a look at our list of holiday clubs. 

From football to forest school to farm animals there is bound to be something that sparks their interest!

New coffee and chat stay and plays

Shropshire Early Help have recently launched some free stay and play sessions for  children and their families. 

While the children are playing you will be able to get free information, advice and support around:

• Family life
• Parenting support
• Domestic abuse support
• Money worries
• Housing support
• and much more

The sessions are being held at:

Bridgnorth Library, WV16 4AW, Tuesday afternoons, 1pm-3pm

Oswestry Library, SY11 1JN, Thursday mornings, 9.30am-12 noon

Raven House, Market Drayton, TF9 3AH, Tuesday mornings, 9.30am-12.30pm

There is no need to book, just drop in. 

The Early Help team hold a range of other drop-in events across the county. You can find your closest event on our Family information Directory.

Help us to meet your needs now and in the future

Drop in clinics for 0-5 year olds

Shropshire Health Visitors help families with children aged 0-5 years old, offering information, advice and support on a range of topics, including:

• Infant feeding and breastfeeding advice
• Emotional health and wellbeing
• Development, behaviour and sleep

If you’d like to chat to a Health Visitor, you are welcome to come along to one of their drop-in sessions. No appointment needed. The sessions take place at Community Hubs in 

• Highley
• Ludlow
• Bridgnorth
• Shrewsbury
• Market Drayton
• Oswestry

If you would like support but are unable to get to a session, you can also get help by calling 0333 358 3654 or texting the team on 07520 635212.

Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) support

Join us for an informal session designed to support families of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This is a great opportunity to discuss any general SEND queries and learn about the resources available to you.

You can chat with people from:

• The EHCP team, offering advice on Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and other SEND processes.
• Designated Clinical and Social care officers (DCO/DSCO), providing insights into health and social care support for SEND.
• SENDIASS (SEND information, Advice and Support services), helping with school-related concerns and advocacy.
• An Assistant Psychologist from BeeU, offering guidance on mental health and emotional wellbeing.
• Early Help practitioners, providing advice and support for families navigating SEND challenges.
• School Nurses, providing advice on supporting health needs with educational settings.
• PACC (parent and Carer Council), offering support and a voice for parent carers of the children with SEND.
• Family Information Service and SEND Local Offer offering information and advice on all aspects of family life.

Come along, have a chat and explore the support available for your family. 

Sunflower House, Shrewsbury, SY1 4ES, Wednesday 26 February 2025, 9.30am-12.30pm

Bridgnorth Library, WV16 4AW, Tuesday 25 March 2025, 12.30pm-3.30pm

Ludlow Youth Centre, SY8 1RT, Wednesday 30 April 2025, 1.30pm-3pm

Help shape mental health services

Help the NHS shape better emotional wellbeing and mental health services for children and young people in our county. 

If you're a child, young person, parent or carer, they want to hear your thoughts on how services for children and young people can be enhanced in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.

The survey is completely anonymous and takes just a few minutes to complete, but your input will have a lasting impact on shaping future services.

 For more information or questions, please contact stw.getinvolved@nhs.net
 Survey closes on 7 March 2025

Help run your youth club

Young Leaders is a training opportunity for young people (up to 17 year old) to support them to take more of a responsibility in their youth club.

Many Young Leaders run activities on topics that are of interest to them, like sports or arts and crafts.

In addition to this Young Leaders help with the facilitating of sessions and work alongside club leaders and volunteers to gain vital skills that can improve their own learning and help develop their CV.

SYA are holding a two day training course for Young Leaders on Thursday 20 and Friday 21 February, 10am-4pm at their headquarters in Shrewsbury. 

Once training has been completed Project workers will support the Young Leaders so they can be fully involved in the running of their clubs.

Email amanda@sya.org.uk for more info or call 07342 885293