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Welcome to your latest Families update
In this edition you'll find information on support for anyone struggling domestic abuse, ideas for festive activities and support available this holiday, winter wellbeing tips and much more.
Content warning: This newsletter contains information that you may find distressing including reference to Domestic Abuse. Please be mindful of your own wellbeing in deciding whether to continue reading this.
Things might appear merry and bright, but domestic abuse doesn't take time off for Christmas.
The pressures of the festive season can be used by domestic abusers as an excuse for their controlling and coercive behaviour, and every year, Christmas sees an increase in reports of abuse in intimate or family relationships.
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a controlling relationship, support is available.
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Are you 'winter wellbeing' ready?
With the festive season just around the corner, it’s important to know when your local pharmacy is open. Stay well this winter by stocking your medicine cabinet and ordering prescriptions ahead of time.
Pharmacy processing times may be slightly longer at this time of year. Don’t delay ordering or collecting repeat prescriptions
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What’s on this Winter?
Take a look at Raise York for fun, festive and wintery activities taking place in York.
Events range from meeting Santa to the Christmas Tree festival, from sleigh rides to pantomimes and much more.
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We won an Award!
Congratulations to York Family Information Service on winning the Best Community Engagement Award 2024 at the recent National Association of Family Information Services (NAFIS) awards held in November.
The award recognises the hard work the team have carried out over the last year!
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 Holiday Activities with Food spaces still available
Our winter 2024 and 2025 Holiday Activities with Food (HAF) programme will be running from 21 December to 4 January, excluding bank holidays.
Some providers are offering activities during the weekends, due to how Christmas falls this year. Spaces are still available at some providers offering HAF places this winter.
Eligible families should have received an e-voucher from their child’s school. If you haven’t received a voucher or think you might be eligible please contact: Shelby.Graham@york.gov.uk
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Primary School Admissions close soon!
If your child was born between 1 September 2020 and 31 August 2021, apply online for a Reception place to start school in 2025.
Closing date for applications is 15 January.
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Looking for childcare?
York’s Family Information Service help families find Ofsted registered childcare, including holiday clubs, before and after school clubs and childcare for under 5s.
The team can also discuss ways to reduce the cost of childcare.
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Christmas waste and recycling collections
Waste and recycling collection dates in York will be changing for some households over the Christmas and New Year period.
The most significant changes are collections due on Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December), with household waste brought forward to Saturday 21 December 2024.
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If you want to help play a part in deciding the future plans for York, the best way to get involved is by taking part in consultations to make sure your voice is heard.
At the moment we have a wide range of open consultations looking for your feedback, including:
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Have your say!
Want to share your opinions? Here's what we're asking about at the moment, and what the deadlines are for taking part.
One of the best ways to influence what happens in York is to get involved in our Talkabout citizen's panel, which happens twice a year.
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Help fund the York Hungry Minds Appeal
The York Hungry Minds appeal has been set up to give people an opportunity to donate whatever they can afford to enable all primary school children in the city to access a free school meal.
Find out more, or make a donation, online.
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