A series of special events for families continues on Friday 6 October, showcasing the support on offer at Lincolnshire’s children’s centres.
The next event takes place at St Giles Children’s Centre from 9.30am to 12.30pm, followed by another open event at Birchwood Children’s Centre from 11am to 1.30pm.
Visitors will be able to enjoy a range of taster sessions and activities, such as baby massage, Little Explorers, and experience the sensory room. Refreshments will be provided, and staff will be on hand to answer any questions about the services available.
The events also celebrate the Family Hubs programme in Lincolnshire, which looks to build on the success of local children’s centres. Created by the Department for Education and Department for Health and Social Care, the programme aims to adapt how and where information, advice and help are delivered, to ensure families have a ‘one stop shop’ where they can access the right support, at the right time, from pregnancy, through a child’s early years and up until they are 19 (or 25 for young people with special educational needs and disabilities).
Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell OBE, executive member for children’s services, said: “We know that it’s important for a child to have a good start in life, as their early years have a significant impact on their later life. Through our children’s centres, we want to enable all Lincolnshire children to get off to a positive start, and be well prepared for school.
Our children’s centres are designed to help all families with children from birth to five. Their staff offer friendly, professional advice, whether it’s on baby feeding, counselling for families or support for youngsters with special educational needs. Centres can be the first place families turn to when they need some support.
All are free to join, with each offering a variety of activities, free drop-in sessions and helpful services. Any adult caring for a child can access the centres, including grandparents, foster carers and childminders.
“Not only can children's centres help give your child a great start in life, but they also offer fantastic support for parents and carers, and are great places for families to meet others and make friends. So, if you’re a parent or carer with a young child, make sure you find out what your local children's centre has to offer and get involved.
“Recently, Lincolnshire was one of 75 local authorities chosen for the government’s Family Hubs programme. This will mean additional investment, allowing us to build upon the support already provided by our children’s centres and the early help team. That will help ensure that families continue to get the support they need, when they need it, particularly during the crucial first 1,001 days of a child’s life.”
Similar events are planned at other selected children’s centres over the coming months (see notes to editors for future dates).
For further information of the support available to local families, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/familyhubs