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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
There are lots of exciting activities and events happening across the county this half term including:
You can find a full list of what is going on in your area, by visiting our Family Information Directory.
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!
You can find a list of holiday clubs on our Family Information Directory.
Shropshire Early Help hold 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
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
- and much more
The sessions are being held at:
- Home Instead Community Hub (Craven Arms), 3 Corvedale Road, Craven Arms, SY7 9NE - Monthly on the Second Wednesday from 09:00 to 11:00
- Sunflower House (Shrewsbury), Kendal Road, Shrewsbury, SY1 4ES - Weekly on Wednesday from 09:30 to 11:30
- Bridgnorth Library, 67 Listley Street, Bridgnorth, WV16 4AW – Weekly on Tuesday from 13:00 to 15:00
- Oswestry Library, 9 Arthur Street, Oswestry, SY11 1JN – Weekly on Thursday from 09:30 to 12:00
- Raven House (Market Drayton), 129 Cheshire Street, Market Drayton, TF9 3AH - Weekly on Tuesday from 09:30 to 12:30
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.
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 and Family Hubs in
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.
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:
Come along, have a chat and explore the support available for your family.
SEND Meet and Chat Family Drop-In (The Lantern) on Thursday 19/02/2026 from 10:00 to 12:00
SEND Meet and Chat Family Drop-In (Raven House) on 24/03/2026 from 13:00 to 15:00
Best Start in Life brings together trusted information and support from pregnancy through your child’s early years and beyond. It has loads of really useful info including:
- Childcare and Early Years Education support
- Free breakfast clubs and wraparound childcare
- Childcare support eligibility checker
- Week-by-week guide to pregnancy
- Breastfeeding help and support
- Introducing solid foods
- Baby and toddler teeth care
- Learning to talk
- School readiness
You can also sign up to received personalised weekly emails tailored to your stage of pregnancy or your child's age - with expert advice on baby care, childcare support and getting your little one ready for school.
Did you know we keep a list of local childminders, nurseries and pre-schools to help you find childcare for your family?
You can find our list of childminders here on our Family Information Directory. You can click on the green 'location' button and enter your postcode to find providers closest to you. There is also a 'Show Map' link which shows you all of the providers on a map.
You can find a list of nurseries and pre-schools here on our Family Information Directory. Again, you can click on the green 'location' button and enter your postcode to find providers closest to you. There is also a 'Show Map' link which shows you all of the providers on a map.
You can also find a list of school holiday clubs here on our Family Information Directory. We update records before each holiday so you know what is available.
We know that balancing work and family can be challenging, and the rising cost of childcare adds extra pressure. That’s why support is available to help, such as:
15 or 30 Hours Free Childcare - Eligible families can access funded hours for 2, 3, and 4-year-olds.
Tax Free Childcare - For working parents who can get a £2 top-up for every £8 spent towards the cost of their childcare.
Universal Credit Childcare - For working families claiming Universal Credit with children under 17, you can claim back up to 85% of childcare costs.
Use the Best Start In Life eligibility checker to see what you’re entitled to and apply today - Help with childcare costs.
What do you think of our newsletter? Do you find the info in it useful? What would you like to see more, or less, of? Got any ideas to make it even better? Take our super short survey and let us know. Seriously, it's only four questions long. FIS newsletter feedback form
Thank you!
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