Family Support & Groups
Having fun in the library
We aim to provide high quality parenting and family support services with appropriate outreach facilities, to ensure all parents have access to the support they need to get involved in their children’s learning and development and give them the best possible start in life.
Outreach home visits
We have a team of Family Support Outreach Workers who can, in addition to meeting with parents & carers in the Centre, visit parents & carers at home to offer support and advice.
Stay & Play (New name for Parent & Toddler groups)
We have several different Stay & Play toddler groups, all run by experienced SureStart practitioners and volunteers. There is a session running Monday to Thursday at St Marys church hall which is in the grounds of the church in Rowner Lane, PO13 9SU. There is also a session in the Surestart building every Wednesday. Stay & Play groups are a lovely opportunity for young children to play together and for parents and carers to have a chat. A drink and healthy snack is provided at all sessions. We even have a garden session on a Tuesday afternoon. Click on This Week for times and venues. A donation of £1 is appreciated to cover the costs of running this group.
Stay & Play for Under one
A drop-in session for parents & babies under one year. Run by a qualified practitioners, these sessions offer advice and help on how to play and interact with your baby. It’s a great way to meet new mums and share experiences. This group is moving to a Monday at the St Marys Play & Stay (Jiggy Wriggler) and a Tuesday here at Surestart This Week
Take 5
Run by the health team, this group gives you a chance to take a break and relax with other mums. We talk and listen to each other, have a laugh and have freedom to speak in confidence if you wish to. A health visitor will be on hand to answer and questions or give advice. For all other health groups such as ‘Midwifes’, ‘Baby on the Way’ and ‘Baby Clinic’ click on the Health link or check This Week for start times.
Young Parents Group
Every Thursday our Young Parents meet with their children to have a chat with other mums and do some fun activities with the children. You don’t need to book this group, just pop in! Click on This Week for start times or check Coming Soon to find out what activity is taking place in future weeks.
‘Step by Step’ Additional Needs Support Group
Our wonderful volunteers run this wonderful group for parents of children with additional needs. They know how isolating it can be trying to cope on your own. Come along for a cuppa and a chat with people in a similar situation, where you can exchange information and get advice and support.
Jiggy Wrigglers-
This is a fab music and dance group on a Tuesday morning at Surestart and on a Wednesday morning at St Mary’s Stay & Play in Rowner Lane. Aimed at the under 5′s this is a fun and lively group for parents and their children. Click on This Week for running times. We are asking for a donation of £1 per family to cover costs.
Buggy Blast. Power Walking with Buggies!!
Get fit and healthly in the fresh air!
11.45-1.30pm
£1 per session
Zumbatomic
Kids Zumba exercise class for 3-9 year olds
Every Thursday 3.45-4.30pm
£1 donation
Book Library
Our fully stocked library offers a huge range of books for both adults and children. Pop in, read a story to your children, join one of our story telling sessions, take books away to read at home. The library opens every morning and on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. Click on This Week for running times.
Sensory Room
Our sensory room is a lovely place for young children. It has lots of wonderful objects to stimulate your childs senses and will really help your child’s development. If you would like to experience the sensory room, pop in and we can arrange a visit. There will be a small charge for this activity.
English Teaching for Foreign Learners.
We offer free English classes for foreign learners living in the local area that need help with their English. This can be in a group or one -one sessions. Give us a call and ask for the centre tutor, Claire Arnott.
COURSES FOR PARENTS We run a variety of courses designed to help you ensure your child gets the best start in life. These include courses to help you as a parent, from confidence courses, basic parenting skills, money management as well as cookery and other life skills. Click the ‘Coming Soon’ link for information on courses and workshops in the upcoming months or read on for a selection of courses running regularly here.
Money Management Course
Dates not yet advised
Confident Parents Confident Kids
Dates not yet advised
The Incredible Years Course
This fab course is a 12 week intensive parenting program for parents/carers of children aged 3-6 years. This is NOT telling you how to be a parent. It’s about bringing all your skills together, sharing experiences and ideas to help you understand the benefits of positive and consistent parenting. FREE CRECHE! sign up now by calling us and asking for Dawn Harris 02392 513777
Dates not yet advised
Step Up to Confidence Building
In this course you will learn how to build your own self esteem, recognise your own personal strengths and areas for development, improve your confidence in communication skills and understand how to be a good listener.
“The course has given me the tools to be more assertive when dealing with situations”
Dates not yet advised
Life With Toddler
Dates not yet advised
Changing Me Changing You
It’s not about how others see you or what you need to change for others. It is about how you make the changes to your inner self and how you perceive yourself. (Quote from Stacy 2011)
Dates not yet advised
Boogie Mites Music & Dance Course for Toddlers
Discover new songs, make props and instruments with your children
Coming soon but dates not yet advised
Speakeasy Course
Starts 7th sept for ten weeks
Learning Through Play Course
Find out more about how you can support your child’s early learning through stories rhymes games and crafts.
Dates not yet advised
Understanding Behaviour
This is about you as an adult. We will help you to build your self esteem, recognise your own personal strengths and areas for development and also improve your confidence in communication skills.
Dattes not yet advised