Free Family Hubs Terrific Tuesdays launch at the Potteries Centre

Remember, remember the fifth of November… the date free Family Hubs Terrific Tuesdays launch at the Potteries Centre.

The groups, run by Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Family Hubs team, will start on Tuesday 5 November in the Community Room on the lower mall of the Potteries Centre, Hanley, ST1 1PP.

Family Hubs offer bespoke advice and guidance to local communities, empowering families and offering opportunities for fun, education and support where needed.

They are running as part of a project being delivered with over £3.5 million of Government funding. Family Hubs are also an important part of the city council’s Family Matters programme, which provides families in the city with all the tips, advice and opportunities they need to thrive.

Councillor Sarah Hill, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “We want our Family Hubs programme to be easily accessible for families across the city. These new groups really support that aim as well as driving footfall into the city centre, supporting the local economy and businesses.

“Family Hubs are a really important part of our Family Matters programme, which is already helping to reduce the number of children in care after just nine months. Extra groups running from the Potteries Centre mean that more people can tap into the advice, guidance and fun on offer and have access to a wider range of services and activities.”

The new sessions build on the recent launch of Chell Heath Family Hub, which officially launched on Thursday 24 October, at the site of the former Stoke North Children’s Centre, Bishop Road, Chell Heath.

All of the groups running from the Potteries Centre are free to join and there is no need for residents to book. Sessions include:

• Sensory fun for Babies, 9.30am – 11am
  A gentle, fun session with lights, music and learning through sensory experiences for babies 0 to 12 months.
• Playful Parenting, 1pm – 2.30pm
  Bring your toddler along for some fun play. Learn about how you can support your child through play, create the best home learning environment and provide a strong base for future learning. For toddlers 1 – 4 years.
• Make and take, 3.30pm – 4.30pm
  Have some crafty fun and make something to take home and treasure. For children aged 4 – 11 years. 

Family Hubs are currently open in Tunstall, Normacot, Bentilee, Chell Heath and Shelton with other sites currently being developed. For 24/7 access to services, or for families that prefer to access online, the city council’s Digital Family Hub is available at https://familyhub.stoke.gov.uk/