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Hello and welcome to the summer edition of the Family Information Service newsletter. Our job is to give you the info and resources you need to help your family life run a little smoother. We can help with:
- Childcare - finding it and advice on paying for it
- Local baby and toddler groups
- Events, clubs, activities, and fun things to do in the school holidays, for all ages
- Getting parenting and family support
- Finding health and wellbeing support
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
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With the end of the school term fast approaching, we have been researching what's on across the county this summer. Our Family Info Directory is full of events and fun things to do, including lots of free activities. Follow the link below to find out what is happening in your area.
 
The Shropshire Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is now open for bookings.
Your child aged 4 (reception class age) to 16 can get a FREE place:
- If you get benefits-related free school meals, or
- Have been referred by a professional
A number of holiday clubs are able to offer places to children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).
Some holiday clubs also offer additional paid places, that are available to those not eligible for HAF, so it's worth taking a look if you need childcare or activities to keep your children busy during the holidays.
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The summer holidays go on for 3.5 years (rough guesstimate). If you are looking for holiday clubs to break things up, or childcare, check out our list of local providers in our Family Information Directory. From arts and crafts, animals, STEM clubs or football, there is something for everyone!
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This year’s summer reading challenge, Story Garden, launches in Shropshire from Saturday 5 July. Sign up at your local library for a summer of stories, nature and imagination.
The challenge is aimed at 4 to 11 year olds and is free to join. Children are encouraged to read six books over the summer holidays and will receive a booklet and stickers to collect along the way. If you complete the challenge, you’ll get a medal and certificate!
Some libraries will also be offering free Story Garden themed events and activities. You can find a list here: Summer Reading Challenge library activities.
If it is not practical to get to your library you can also sign up to the challenge online via the Summer Reading Challenge website.
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Shropshire Council has recently been selected as one of 12 local authorities across the country to pilot a new Local Youth Transformation scheme.
To make sure the scheme has maximum impact, our Youth Service is running a survey to find out what young people (aged 10-25) need from their local services. Advice? Activities? Support? Places to go? A mix of things or something entirely different?
Please share with any young people in your life. The survey is anonymous so they don't have to leave any details. Survey closes on Friday 11 July 2025.
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In light of the recent series shown on Netflix - Adolescence and the need to educate young people about the pressures and the content they can view online, Kooth are offering parents and carers a 30 minute webinar covering how you can encourage them to think about how they spend their time on social media platforms and how they can get help to deal with similar situations that they may find themselves in.
The webinar will cover:
- Young people online
- Social media, the law, the pros and cons
- Smartphone safety
- What parents can do to support their children
- How Kooth platforms can help
The webinars are happening on Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 July 2025 at 6pm. You can register for the webinar on the Kooth webpage for families (scroll to the events section).
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It’s fair to say that all parents from time to time need some help and support with issues that impact on family life, and the long school summer holidays can certainly be one of those times. Did you know there is help and support available in Shropshire through our Early Help coffee and chat drop ins – some of which are also stay and play sessions.
You can get free Information, advice and support on all aspects of family life, at our Family Drop-Ins. You can chat, have a cuppa and see how we can help you with:
- Family life
- Parenting support
- Domestic abuse support
- Money worries
- Housing support
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
- and much more
To find your local drop in please visit the Family Information Directory
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From Friday 25 July to Thursday 28 August, Cineworld are bringing fantastic family films to screens for just £1 a ticket!
Cineworld Shrewsbury and Telford are both taking part in this offer. They will be showing the following films.
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The Wild Robot – July 25 to July 31
- Sonic the Hedgehog 3 – August 1 to August 7
- Moana 2 – August 8 to August 14
- Paddington in Peru – August 15 to August 21
- A Minecraft Movie – August 22 to August 28
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We often get asked what age can children be left home alone. With the holidays coming up you may be wondering whether you can leave them for a few minutes while you nip to the shop or a couple of hours while you work.
There's no legal age a child can be left home alone, but it’s against the law to leave a child alone if it puts them at risk. Every child matures differently, so it would be almost impossible to have a "one size fits all" law. The NSPCC have some really helpful resources covering this which include:
- a quiz to check if your child is ready to be home alone
- a downloadable guide
- key things to think about like teaching them what to do in an emergency
- how to find the right babysitter for you.
Hill Stories is a free outdoor digital media and arts project for young people, working with award-winning filmmakers, local artists and experts, and South Shropshire Youth Forum.
It is for young people age 12-18, interested in exploring local places, wildlife and heritage. And experimenting creatively with images, words and sound. Join to develop your skills and capture and broadcast your ideas and experiences.
Choose from:
- Clee Hills area, working with walking artist, Emily Wilkinson on Monday 28, Tuesday 29, and Wednesday 30 July 2025, 10.30am– 3.30pm. Book Clee Hills or
- Stiperstones area working with storyteller, Amy Douglas Monday 11, Tuesday 12, and Wednesday 13 August 2025, 10.30am– 3.30pm Book Stiperstones
Young people need to be able to attend all three days. Booking is essential.
Please email workshops@pieceofstringmedia.co.uk or call Nick (she/her)
07718 274884 if you have any questions or access needs to take part.
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