The National Maritime Museum, take play seriously! This summer, go and enjoy lots of maritime-themed fun for the whole family. Unless specified, activities are drop
Once you realise your child has a special educational need or disability it can feel that you are immediately faced with lots of phrases and
Lewisham are providing a varied holiday programme with funding from the Department of Education. A wide range of providers in Lewisham are supporting the delivery
Let us tell you a little bit about us and what we do… Resources for Autism is a registered charity. We provide practical services for children
Closure Notice Evelyn, Bellingham and Ladywell Children & Family Centres will be closed on the morning of Wednesday 24th July. The following session are
Bubbles are universally loved by babies and toddlers, and are a wonderful way of spending special magic time with your child and enjoying the moment.
Singing together is a great way for adults to encourage toddlers’ growing language skills during the earliest pre-talking years. Singing together is especially good as
Messy play is one of the most important types of play for children of all ages. It encourages brain development, hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills,
Stuck for ideas on what to do today? Choose from one of our simple, low-cost/no-cost activity ideas below and see where the magic moment adventure
What is free play? Simply put it is play without any rules. Many of our children spend more time than ever in organised activities. While
Danger on the changing mat Imagine keeping a bunch of carrier bags within baby’s reach on the changing mat, under the cot mattress or knocking
The Royal Lifesaving Society have created new and exciting materials, exclusively for parents and guardians to take charge of their family’s water safety education.
Looking for free educational resources to help keep your children safe? Scroll down to search through the Child Accident Trust free information fact sheets and
New data published today by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows cases of whooping cough continue to increase with 1,319 cases confirmed in March. This
Childhood serves a purpose; it isn’t something to “get through” or speed up. It’s there to protect developing minds. To nurture young souls. So, let’s
Family Connects are one-off online events providing an opportunity to connect with other parents and carers via Zoom and learn about topics relevant to families and
Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 will take place from 13 to 19 May, on the theme of “Movement: Moving more for our mental health”.
From Friday 29th March, the National Breastfeeding helpline team will be available as usual from 9:30am – 9:30pm and then our NBH @ Night helpline
Caring for a child with a disability can be expensive, especially if you’ve had to give up work or cut your working hours. Here are
The Dads Stay & Play Drop-in session aims to foster a supportive and enriching environment for families and provides you with an opportunity to actively
What is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week? Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week is a week-long campaign dedicated to talking about mental health problems before, during
Learning to talk: 3 to 5 years Young children love it when you chat, play and read with them, even if you think they’re
If you’re a parent or carer of a child or young person with a disability you may be eligible for short breaks. These short breaks
Are you curious about how your child learns and develops? Family learning sessions can help you support your child as they learn and grow. Visit
From talking and singing to playing games, small everyday interactions with your baby or child can make all the difference to their growing brains. By
Learning to talk: 2 to 3 years Young children love it when you chat, play and read with them, even if you think they’re too
Your child starting nursery is an exciting time for all the family but if your child has special educational needs and / or disabilities there
Learning to talk: 1 to 2 years Young children love it when you chat, play and read with them, even if you think they’re
Being a parent can be difficult at times. If your child has a special educational need or disability there can be lots more to consider
By Nicky Sanford Have you noticed that if your little one throws two toys from their highchair and you only retrieve one they will ‘look’
Words for Life – How to encourage your baby to talk from Words for Life. How can I encourage my baby or toddler to
Drumbeat Outreach is a team of teachers and specialist advisers offering support, advice and training to children, families and professionals in Lewisham. They work
Family Corner: helping your families to develop positive home learning environments Did you know that the Alliance offers FREE family learning sessions, delivered virtually
Pregnancy can be an exciting time, but did you know it is also a great time to start supporting your baby’s learning and development? During
Getting out and about during the holidays can be an expensive business but these cafes and restaurants are offering some great deals on kids meals
Learning to talk: 6 to 12 months Babies and young children love it when you chat, play and read with them, even if you
Here at Lewisham Children and Family Centres there’s loads going on to keep your little ones happy this Easter. Have some silly fun with the
Lewisham Council are providing a varied holiday programme with funding from the Department of Education. A wide range of providers in Lewisham are supporting the
Advice to help families calm and soothe children when they feel overwhelmed. Think back to a time when your child was feeling upset or angry
The tragic death of 2-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020, due to mould in his family home, should never happen to another family. (Gov.co.uk) If you
Learning to talk: 0 to 6 months Babies and young children love it when you chat, play and read with them, even if you think
A local offer is for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) aged 0 to 25 years. It provides information and support
When it comes to inclusion, neurodiversity refers to a world where neurological differences are recognised and respected as all other human variations. Depending on how
For International Women’s Day 2024 and beyond, let’s Inspire Inclusion. When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. And
Pregnancy can be an exciting time, but did you know it is also a great time to start supporting your baby’s learning and development? During
World Book Day is about celebrating books and reading all year round. It’s never too early to encourage a love of reading and we hope
Our Explorers Plus Session jointly run with the Portage Team at Bellingham Children & Family Centre on Tuesday mornings has been a huge success and
Find out if you’re entitled to free NHS prescriptions, NHS dental treatment and help with other NHS costs using the NHS eligibility checker. If you
The current offer In England, all parents and carers of 3 and 4-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours a week childcare support with registered childcare providers. Eligible working parents
Make the most of everyday opportunities to chat with your baby or toddler while you are out and about. It will help them to develop
An update on measles from our Director of Public Health With measles cases rising in London, Dr Catherine Mbema, our Director of Public Health, has recorded
This year’s Children’s Mental Health Week 2024 (5-11 February 2024) theme is My Voice Matters. Developed with the help of children and young people in
Home is where the start is: Communication counts An online festival of fun and learning for the whole family! Our free online family festival celebrates
Family Connects are one-off online events providing an opportunity to connect with other parents and carers via Zoom and learn about topics relevant to families and
Winston’s Wish is a charity that helps children, teenagers and young adults (up to the age of 25) find their feet when their worlds are
How do puzzles support children’s learning and development? Adapted from an article by Melanie Pilcher in Under 5 Magazine From birth, your child’s growing
According to the Child Accident Protection Trust A shocking number of dangerous baby products are making their way into family homes throughout the UK. “ITV
The more we chat, play and read with our kids, the more we help build their brains. Any time, anywhere, whether at home or out
Confident communicators to tiny talkers Your home as a speech, language and communication classroom 3 session courses Children communicate in many ways from birth
ABOUT THE WARM WELCOMES To support individuals affected by increased living costs in Winter, Lewisham Local are coordinating a network of local establishments to
Being Together, My Baby and Me is a free online five-week programme especially designed for families with babies. This online programme, funded by the Department for Education, combines advice on babies’ learning and
If your child is due to start primary school this September the deadline date for applications is Monday 15th January. If you still haven’t managed
FoodCycle Lewisham Wednesdays and FoodCycle Lewisham Saturdays welcomes anyone to attend as a guest and enjoy a FREE hot meal. No need to book. Just
Just 31 days without alcohol gives amazing obvious benefits, like more energy, a chance to save some money, improved concentration, boosted mood and so much
Wishing all our families and colleagues Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. Evelyn, Bellingham and Ladywell Children & Family Centres will be closed on Friday
Keeping everyone on track at Christmas can be tricky, but when your child has Special Educations Needs or Disabilities (SEND) all the Christmas excitement can
ABOUT THE WARM WELCOMES To support individuals affected by increased living costs in Winter, Lewisham Local are coordinating a network of local establishments to set
Winter 2023 holiday activities and fun Lewisham have teamed up with a range of local organisations to offer a fun-filled programme of free activities for
WHAT DOES THE BANK OF THINGS DO? Provides Vital Resources for Young People. The Bank of Things is a Young Mayors Project working in partnership
Christmas is a feast for all our senses, so if your child has sensory sensitivities or SEND all those Christmas lights, new foods and socialising
With the cost of living affecting food prices food is getting more and more expensive so here’s a few recipes that will be kind to
Recently we interviewed Lou from the Family Hubs team to find out more about Family Hubs and how the new Family Navigators can support families
Lewisham and Deptford will both host winter markets this December to help attract more people to the markets and boost footfall for local traders, as
Having a child with a disability can put a huge strain on your finances, especially if you or your partner have had to adjust your
Applying online If you get Universal Credit, you can apply online if: you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have at least one child under
Childcare support is available – MENCAP tell you how to make it more affordable and who to contact to find the right childcare. You
It can sometimes be difficult to know how to make the very best of the foods in your food parcel or in your cupboard. In
Knowledge of two languages – bilingualism – is becoming increasingly common in the UK. While the British may have an international reputation for being relatively
New data shows significant improvements in road safety in London since the introduction of 20mph speed limits TFL 13 February 2023 At sites monitored on the Transport for London
Come and join us for our fun sessions jointly run with the Portage Team. These groups are for parents and carers with a child aged
Lewisham Parent Champions will be hosting a keeping young people safe online coffee morning at the Clyde Family Hub on Monday 27th November for parents
Becoming a dad isn’t without its challenges. Whether it’s your first child or your third, a new baby is a major life transition, bringing different
If you are aged 16 to 25 come and join us at our new stay & play session for babies and children aged 0-5 years.
bench Outreach Housing and Benefit Support If you’re struggling with the housing crisis, the cost-of-living crisis, or just coping with years of austerity, our HOUSING
Make your way to the National Maritime Museum this October half term, where they’ll be putting on a range of fun creative
Feel Positive about Parenting is a 30 minute 1:1 appointment with a Parenting Practitioner where advice is given to help you manage minor behavioural issues.
Thanks to AFRIL, 4in10 Charity, London Challenge Poverty Week with match funding from Lewisham Local, you can find free activities related to food-growing across the borough during October Half-term and
Check what help you could get to pay for NHS costs Although most NHS treatment is free, there is usually a charge for: NHS prescriptions
Early literacy skills are essential for future school success and these fun, interactive sessions can give you the confidence to help you develop your child’s
This year, National Adoption Week brings together adopted people from different generations to celebrate how adoption has evolved. Hear directly from people adopted between the
According to NHS England more than 32,000 children across London at risk of catching measles as new school term gets underway Nine in ten unvaccinated
What is the Family Learning Festival? Family Learning Festival is a national celebration which marks and inspires a love of learning in family life.
Getting back into work and training can be really difficult. Just knowing where to start, what skills are in demand and what you can access
Special educational needs (SEN) support Your child will get SEN support at their nursery, school or college. Your child may need an education, health and care (EHC)
There are small things we can all do to help be kind to our mind and these can make a big difference to how we
Statistically, children are most at risk of fatality or significant harm in the first few years of life. Lewisham Safeguarding Children Partnership aim to raise
Black Maternal Mental Health Week UK is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the mental health challenges faced by Black mothers. Recognised nationally,
Planning and cooking healthy family meals can seem like a big task. As the nights are drawing in and we move into Autumn, these simple
Flu is caused by the influenza virus. It can be a very unpleasant illness for children. It can also lead to serious problems, such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
Black History Month The theme for Black History Month 2023 is Celebrating Our Sisters. We are joining together with partners and local community groups to offer a
Who are we? We are Speech and Language Therapists and Therapy Assistants who work in the under 5’s or Over 5’s Teams. We are trained
You may be able to get up to 5 payments to help with the cost of living if you’re getting certain benefits or tax credits.
There are a range of funded early education and childcare schemes available for parents and carers in England Below we answer some of the most common questions on
Insightful Families, takes a whole family approach to working with everyone in the family impacted by alcohol. Insightful Families offer a free confidential friendly service
What is Triple P for Baby? Triple P for Baby programme aims to prepare parents for a positive transition to parenthood and the first year
With their bright colours and squishy feel, water beads are especially appealing to young children. When dry, water beads are tiny and can easily be
Breastfeeding is a skill that takes time to get the hang of. Lots of mums wonder if their baby’s feeding well and getting enough –
The new timetable is now live, head over to the timetable page to see what sessions we have planned for this term. www.lewishamcfc.org.uk/timetable/
Are you a parent considering going back to work? We have two workshops coming up to support you; CV and Cover Letter Writing and Getting
As September approaches, your child may be getting ready to leave their nursery, childminder or you and starting their official school journey. But how can you
Research by the PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals) in 2022 found that more than half of households now own a pet. Households with children
Transitioning to primary school is a big change for children and their families. Place2Be expert advice will help you get ready together. Don’t avoid
There’s nothing more worrying than you or your child being hurt or unwell whilst you are away from home and it can be difficult to
Keeping under fives safe online Ofcom’s research has shown that 86% of 3-4 year olds have access to a tablet at home and 21% have
Love Parks Week Love Parks Week is back, giving people across the country the chance to shout about their wonderful green spaces. Whether it’s walking
Drowning happens silently. A drowning child can’t speak or control their arms. They slip quietly under the water. It’s only in the movies they splash
There’s lots to do over the Summer holidays and we’ve compiled a list so you can find something fun to do. Here at Lewisham Children
Lewisham Council is pleased to announce details of their fun-filled programme for the Summer holidays. A wide range of providers in Lewisham are supporting the
Summer Holiday Activities and Food 2023 Do you look after a young person in Lewisham, aged 8 – 16 years who receives free school meals?
Stretching the budget over the Summer Holidays can feel like a real chore. But many restaurants are offering reduced or free meals for children this
Thank you for taking part in the National Week of Play – we hope you enjoyed it! Over the past week, we’ve had a great
This Alcohol Awareness Week Alcohol Change will be focusing on the true cost of alcohol to highlight the personal costs of drinking too much and
Over the last few years many of us have been much more aware of the role plastics play in our affecting our environment. This July
We often receive enquires to support families with housing issues, as a result we have put together a new Housing Advice section on the website
Athena The Athena service, run by Refuge, provides confidential, non-judgmental support to those living in the London Borough of Lewisham who are experiencing gender-based violence.
Keeping Safe Whether you are experiencing domestic abuse – or any other form of gender-based violence – or you are a professional working with someone
The Voice Programme VOICE stands for Victims of Intimate Coercive Experience and is a ten-week intervention for victims and survivors of domestic abuse, coercive control and the
Freedom Programme The Freedom Programme is for women who are or have been experiencing domestic abuse. It examines the influence of attitudes and beliefs on
Childcare costs have soared over the last few years leaving it unaffordable for many families, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Play is often described as a “universal language” – but what does this mean in practice? How can we ensure that play in the early
This year’s National Week of Play, which will run from 19 June to 25 June, will focus on how play can help us build positive connections
Babies are not as good at regulating their body temperature so it’s important to keep them cool as possible. Hopefully these tips from Tommy’s will
Healthy Eating Week is all about supporting and promoting healthier lifestyles and this years’ theme is Healthy Eating Week – For Everyone! The cost-of-living crisis continues
Every year, air pollution causes up to 36,000 deaths in the UK. The World Health Organisation and the UK Government recognise that air pollution is the largest environmental health
Baby Check features 19 simple checks that parents can do if their baby is showing signs of illness. Each check tests for a different symptom
MEN’S HEALTH AND THE INTERNET The iPhone was born in 2007. Those born in the same year will turn 16 this year. They’ve grown
Learning how to behave around dogs can help teach children to respect animals, while also keeping them safe. The Dogs Trust shares its top tips for being
By Dorothy Lepkowska for EY Alliance Childhood is a time of adventure, when our little ones are constantly learning and exploring the world around them.
A car seat is probably one of the most important (and expensive) purchases you make to keep your child safe when travelling. There are so
Every day in the UK we will welcome about 2,000 babies to the world. Many of these babies will have happy, stable childhoods, but not
While it is rewarding being a parent it isn’t always easy. It can also be demanding, frustrating and exhausting. The last thing that any parent
While it is rewarding being a parent it isn’t always easy. It can also be demanding, frustrating and exhausting. We all want our children to
While it is rewarding being a parent it isn’t always easy. It can also be demanding, frustrating and exhausting, especially when your child won’t do
The Kings College Hospital Oral Health Promotion team will be hosting a Q and A session via Zoom for parents and carers on: Wednesday 14th
Getting outside with your baby or young child is a great way to get a bit of exercise and help their brain development. Every June The
Learning to share is an important part of your child’s development but it can be a complex thing for them to learn. It requires lots
Half-term is almost upon us and if you’re looking for some fun, free days out there’s plenty to offer locally. Nature discovery day in
What is a Triple P Discussion Group P DISCUSSION GROUP? Triple P Discussion Groups are online and face to face workshops for parents or carers
The theme for this year’s Mental Awareness Week is anxiety. The Mental Health Foundation says: “Anxiety is something we can all experience from time-to time.
Did you know that there’s lots of videos for families on EY Alliance YouTube Channel? You can enjoy Story times with Alison, Play, sing and
Even on gloomy days getting outside and exposed to sunlight helps our bodies to make vitamin D, which keeps bones, teeth and muscles healthy. It
There are lots of FREE events across the week before and during the Bank Holiday weekend between Saturday 6 and Monday 8 May, find out
Not long to go until Reusable Nappy Week, 24th – 30th April 2023 🎉 An international action packed week of awareness raising activities and advocacy
Messy Play is one of the most important types of play for children of all ages. It encourages brain development, hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills,
March the 26th marks the beginning of Spring. Warmer and longer days are full of possibilities to get out there and enjoy the natural world.
Having a child with a Social Communication Disorder or Autism can be isolating at times, especially when you feel your child is struggling and your
You may have seen in the news recently that the government’s new Emergency Alerts system will be tested on Sunday April 23. Here is the
We will be having lots of fun at our Easter Holiday sessions so come and join us by booking your place here. Book your place
SIGNAL Family Support are a mutual support group for the families of autistic children and young people (ages 0-25) living in Lewisham. Established in
Putting children at risk Katrina Phillips, Chief Executive, Child Accident Prevention Trust: “Rogue online sellers are abusing parents’ trust and putting children at risk. They’re
March 21st marked Single Parents Day 2023. Gingerbread, the UK Single Parent’s Charity have carried out research to produce an up-to-date picture of what it means
It’s no secret that peekaboo is a hit with babies around the world and a great way of entertaining them even at a very young
Youth First are opening their youth clubs across Lewisham during the Easter holidays. Full of fun-packed activities and free for young people aged 8-19 years
You may have heard that the chancellor has announced some changes to childcare funding. It can all sound a little confusing so here is what
Start for Life have released two new booklets on breastfeeding and bottle feeding. There’s lots of great advice on breastfeeding such as: Why
All new and expectant parents worry about how much sleep they are getting but how your baby sleeps is a much more important topic.
Being a parent can be rewarding but is not always easy – When managing children’s behaviour Do you find yourself yelling or repeating instructions? Does
During this fun family event, which will take place via Zoom, we will share information and advice about how parents and carers of under-fives can
There are always health and financial benefits to quitting smoking, but quitting now will help you: 1. Reduce the likelihood of life-threatening complications from
Having a baby isn’t easy at the best of times, and having a baby when you’re also a young mum can bring additional difficulties to
Children love stories and sharing a story with your baby or child helps their brain to develop and helps with early language skills. “There can
If your child has a long-term health condition or a disability you may be entitled to certain benefits to help you provide the extra things
Eat Them to Defeat Them is the award-winning campaign to get kids eating more vegetables. 80% of kids don’t eat enough vegetables. If you are
Paying for childcare can be one of the most expensive items in your monthly budget. It can also stop many parents going back into the
This term we are lucky to have the Lewisham Educational Psychology team visiting some of our Explorers or Little Explorers sessions. The Lewisham Educational Psychology
Children’s Mental Health Week 2023 will take place from 6-12 February 2023. This year’s theme is Let’s Connect. What’s it all about? Let’s Connect is
Safer Internet Day 2023 will take place on the 7th of February 2023, with celebrations and learning based around the theme ‘Want to talk about it? Making
Every February is LGBT+ history month. Lewisham Children & Family Centres are a safe, open and welcoming place for all families regardless of gender identity
Written by Nicky Sanford for the Early Years Alliance. Nicky worked as an early years teacher for 15 years and currently works in a village
Great Mental Health Day 2023 is celebrating the power of community kindness and telling the story of how we’ve come together for one another across
It’s been great to see so many male parents and carers visiting our centres and website so we wanted to welcome you all. Our
Finding a toilet for yourself or to change little ones can be tricky when you’re out and about. The Lewisham Community Toilet scheme ensures there
17th January 2023 • 19.00 – 21.00 • via Zoom Join ERIC the children’s bowel and bladder charity for an evening webinar, led by their
If your child has a special educational need or disability (SEND) there are some great drop-in sessions at Kaleidoscope which you can find at: 32
A new year often makes us look at healthier options after the excesses of Christmas, but planning and cooking healthy family meals can seem like
With fuel costs rising it can be difficult to make sure you are getting all the support you need to pay your bills, especially if
We’ve all heard on the TV and radio just how busy the NHS is at the moment. Calling NHS 111 can help you find the
Download the free Try Dry app from alcohol Change to help you meet your goals, whether you want to take on Dry January (or another
New Year can be a great time to start a new healthier lifestyle and the FREE NHS Quit Smoking App can help. Created for those
With the cost of living rising it can be worrying if you are on a fixed income. Making sure you are getting all the benefits
If you’re luck enough to have some food leftover here are some great recipes from Jack Monroe Leftover Turkey Curry, 34p per person
Tips for coping during Christmas If you find Christmas a difficult time of year, this page has some tips to help you cope. Different things
Below you can find a detailed list of useful support services, Christmas meals and food projects being run over the upcoming Christmas period. The list
Evelyn, Bellingham and Ladywell Children & Family Centres will be closed on Friday 23rd December and re-open on Thursday 5th January 2023. Sessions start on
From NCT From cosy head to toasty toes, we explore what kit you’ll need to get your baby through their first chilly season. It might
Lewisham Homes are aware Christmas can be a difficult time for some residents and understand the additional pressure the season can put on your
Come along to Lewisham’s Christmas ‘Give and Take’ event and help create a sustainable Christmas. Date/Time: 19th December (5-7pm)Location: Wearside Service Centre, Wearside Road, Ladywell, SE13
We all know Christmas can be expensive. Last year the average UK family budgeted £350 for their Christmas food, presents and decorations. Yet nearly two-thirds
What are Warm Welcomes? Community groups are coming together to offer spaces where people can pop in free of charge. All welcomes are YOu currently
As Christmas approaches we’re all looking to save a bit of money this year but toy safety is something we just can’t take a chance
You may have heard the very sad news reports about young children dying from Strep A. Although it is extremely worrying, knowing all you can
Council Tax is an annual fee you pay to your local council. The cost is set by your council and goes towards funding local services.
With all the Christmas adverts on the TV and shops full of Christmas gifts we can all feel under pressure to make the ‘perfect Christmas’.
This winter, with funding from the Department of Education, Lewisham Council is providing a varied holiday programme, with free activities and lunches for school aged
80% of our kids are not eating enough vegetables. Veg Power is on a mission to inspire kids from early years through primary school and
Autumn is a fantastic time to get out and about and explore with your little ones. Crunchy leaves, acorns and squirrels out collecting for Winter,
Many people on some benefits may be able to get cheaper broadband with what are often called social tariffs. There’s a full list on Money
Research shows that when fathers are involved with their children from the beginning their children do better socially and academically. A fathers early engagement is
The theme of Road Safety Week 2022 is SAFE ROADS FOR ALL, bringing together communities and professionals to shout out for everyone’s right to make safe
Having a mobile phone is no longer a luxury. With many families no longer having a landline to keep in contact with friends and family
Follow the Energy Saving Trust quick tips and advice for quick and easy ways to save energy, lower your bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
WIMBLEDON PARK FIREWORKS 2022: Merton Council runs two official firework shows, the first of which is the Wimbledon Park fireworks display. There’s a food village and funfair
PayPoint, which runs energy top-up facilities in some 28,000 shops, says only 53% of the 800,000 vouchers it issued in October have been redeemed so
If you are struggling to cope with life pressures, you might be stressed. After the last 18 months all of us would have felt stressed
Pelvic health problems after childbirth are very common. Some people find it hard to talk about or ask for help, and many suffer in silence
This information from ROSPA can help to keep you and your family safe this year. Despite annual safety warnings, firework celebrations still end in
All 2 & 3 year olds are entitled to a free flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is given as a nasal spray and protects your
If you are on a low income or are struggling at the moment community supermarkets and pantries are a great way to make your weekly
As the cost of living crisis begins to effect us all it’s always worth checking if we are receiving all we are entitled to, especially
updated 10/11/2022 Children aged 1 to 9 years old in Lewisham are being offered a dose of polio vaccine. For some children this may be
Thanks to AFRIL, 4in10 Charity, London Challenge Poverty Week with match funding from Lewisham Local, you can find free activities related to food-growing across the borough during October Half-term and
There’s lots of free things to do across Lewisham and neighbouring boroughs. Why not bring a packed lunch and explore and see somewhere new?
We are pleased to be able to offer a range of sessions for families across the country. The sessions, courses or activities are to support the
The Early Years Alliance has launched a free Winter Toolkit for early years providers containing a series of useful resources to help them — and their families — to
30 babies and toddlers go to hospital with a hot drink burn every day. In addition to this shocking daily figure the SafeTea campaign highlights that
Protecting our mental health is easier than you might think. We can all do it every day, and with simple activities that help us feel
The government’s 30-hours funded childcare places for working parents of three- and four-year-olds differs from the 15-hours childcare offer. Below we address some of the details and
As we begin the school year many parents are preparing their little ones for “big school”. One of the things parents begin to think about
At Early Years Alliance Lewisham Children and Family Centres we have actively shaped our universal offer around the 1001 days Manifesto for many years, to
We’re all concerned about the cost of living rise. Find out what help may be available to you through benefits, grants and other sources of
Updated 10/11/2022 You may have heard on local news about the Polio infection being found in water in London. Due to Polio being found in
NOTICE Monday 19th September is a Bank Holiday for the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II Our Children and Family Centres will be closed
Yesterday we all heard the incredibly sad news that the Queen passed away aged 96. She was Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and head of state for 70
New term timetable is going LIVE on Friday 2nd September! We have a new group at Evelyn CFC especially for Dads and Male Carers, Toileting,
Starting school or nursery can be an exciting, but also anxious time for both parents and children. Sharing books together can start chats about emotions
As the cost of living crisis hits all of us and the cost of food continues to rise making sure your child gets a healthy
Children grow at an alarming rate in primary school and it can be difficult and expensive trying to keep up with what fits and what
This article was first published September 2020 Hello all our families and friends I’m Donna an Early Years Practitioner and Henry Facilitator. I run Stay
If your child is off to school this Autumn listening skills will really help them make the most of their day. This article by Elyssa
It can be difficult to tmake your child’s lunchbox healthy and varied. It’s really easy to keep putting the same things in, especially if they
Helping your child when they start or change primary school – advice from Place2Be – Understand what’s going on when your child is facing change so
If you’re looking to go back to work, how you are going to maintain breastfeeding can be a real concern. There’s lots of support and
Breastfeeding is a skill that we need help and support with at some point and we all have a part to play in supporting breastfeeding
Many parents can feel nervous about breastfeeding in public, especially if it’s their first time but there is lots of support available. Here are
Lewisham Health Visitor – led community breastfeeding hubs in Lewisham have resumed as Drop – In from Monday 6th June! Appointments are no longer required
There are now seven community breastfeeding hubs running face to face in Lewisham every week, either Health Visitor or volunteer led. These remain appointment only
Keeping everyone fed and happy over the Summer holidays can be never ending but lots of big supermarkets and restaurants are offering reduced or free
Young children love water. Whether it’s splashing around in the bathtub, showering friends with water pistols or building sandcastles on the beach, there is something
Friederich Froebel was a pioneering educator who invented kindergarten. He emphasised that children should experience all aspects of nature, not just plants and animals. One
Children learn through play so how as parents/carers can we provide opportunities for our children’s play to help them understand the importance of nurturing our planet
Activities to help develop fine motor skills for the under fives So much of what we do each day relies on our fine motor skills.
By Nicole Weinstein It’s your child’s birthday. You spent ages choosing the perfect gift only for your two-year-old to glance at the present and then be
Mary Horn, founder and director of Curious Fox Company, shares her suggestions on keeping water play activities fresh and full of fun — with plenty of learning
Youth First are opening their youth clubs across Lewisham during the Summer holidays. Full of fun-packed activities and free for young people aged 8-19 years
Being pregnant during hot weather can be challenging. We discuss the risks of hot weather and high body temperature during pregnancy, and how to beat the
This week we are launching our Children and Family Centre Feedback Survey which will be live on our website for the next month. This is an opportunity
Read on for tips and tricks from the NCT on how to make sure your children stay comfortable when the weather heats up. The warm weather
POP UP CHILDREN and FAMILY CENTRES! Come along to our ‘Pop-up Children’s Centres’ in parks and community spaces, including Lewisham Shopping Centre this summer. Arts
Sessions at Bellingham, Evelyn & Ladywell Children and Family Centres will be cancelled on Monday 18th & Tuesday 19th July due to forecast of high
Join us at South-East London’s longest-running outdoor FREE festival returns with its biggest line-up yet and pick up your LCFC Summer Timetable! Back for the
As we move into the Summer and warmer weather, it is important to make sure that your baby’s room is a comfortable temperature – not
Lewisham Council is providing a varied holiday programme with funding from the Department of Education. A wide range of providers in Lewisham are supporting the
You can’t beat a lolly or ice cream in the heat but store bought versions can be very high in sugar and fat. Lolly moulds
As the weather heats up we can’t wait to finally get the paddling pool out and have a splash about. Here are a few tips
As the weather warms up and we spend a little more time each day out and about we’re beginning to see more butterflies. Their vibrant
Weather like this is something many people look forward to and go out and enjoy. But it’s worth remembering that sunny spells can pose health
Parenting young children can be tough at the best of times and during this strange period in our history it can feel even more bewildering
Lewisham Family Information Service (FIS) want to know your experience of accessing childcare. Lewisham FIS is currently conducting a survey to understand more how parents
Dispelling the Myths Do drugs, mental health issues, stress and/or alcohol make my partner abusive? No. Abuse is a choice. Although alcohol, drugs and other
What is Domestic Abuse? The Domestic Abuse Act was passed in 2021, which provides a new definition of domestic abuse as follows: PART 1Definition of
CODA is a 12-week psychoeducational programme for women & children who have experienced Domestic Abuse. It provides a community based setting for children to share
Its Refugee Week. Here is a summary of our work supporting refugees in Lewisham and other areas in London. In Croydon, we deliver the Asylum
Hello everyone, My name is Anne I am an Early Years Practitioner and trained Henry Facilitator and I run the Little Explorers sessions in
“Our relationship with nature – how much we notice, think about and appreciate our natural surroundings – is a critical factor in supporting good
At a time when there is – rightly – a growing focus on the need to take urgent action to safeguard the future of our
Did you know that a child can drown in as little as 2cm of water? Keeping safe around water is something we think more about
Drowning happens silently. A drowning child can’t speak or control their arms. They slip quietly under the water. It’s only in the movies they splash
Time for your MOT Men’s Health Week is 13-19 June 2022. We’ve been through a lot these past couple of years. Covid has not gone away but
A small child’s skin burns really easily as it’s so thin. But you can Download the Safe from Burns Factsheet to help. Here’s how to
Bright bottles of cleaning liquid, squidgy washing tablets, shiny packets of painkillers… Small children are curious and want to learn more by putting things in
As part of National Week of Play, Lego have donated packs of Duplo to us. Come along to our regular Dads Stay & Play session
Scrapes and bruises are a part of growing up. But even a fall from a highchair can cause a bad head injury. That’s because babies’
It can be hard knowing how best to teach your child to stay safe. Here we help you to break it down and keep it
You and your family are eight times more likely to die in a fire if you don’t have a working smoke alarm. That’s because, if
It’s such a scary thought that something could stop your child breathing. But, the steps to stop that happening are simple and make sense. Download
Many of us have caring roles within our family and friendship groups, caring for a child, partner, parent or sibling. You may be getting in
Protecting at least 30% of our blue planet by 2030 With your help and working with hundreds of organizations worldwide, together we will grow the
Lewisham are celebrating the Queen’s incredible 70 years of service with a range of family-friendly events and activities taking place across the borough. From music
We are celebrating Pride Month by suggesting books to share as a family from Stonewalls hand-selected range of LGBTQ inclusive books for children and young
Children love growing plants and being involved in the garden but they’re often impatient, wanting to see instant results. National Children’s Gardening Week aims to
Lewisham Mindful Mums helps pregnant women and new mums in Lewisham look after themselves during what can be a challenging period of their lives. Since
You can now drop-in to our centres to register or collect your Vitamin D Monday to Friday at 10am – 3pm What is vitamin D
Minimising Food Waste is great way to save money and minimise waste. Did you know, one third* of food produced for human consumption is lost
The number of children walking to school has dropped significantly in a generation when 70% of children walked to school, now it is just over
Books are a great way to teach your child about kindness. Here are a few of our favourites: by Sophie Beer This bright colourful board
National Children’s Day UK (NCDUK) is all about the importance of a healthy childhood, and how we need to protect the rights and freedoms of children
Being a parent can make all of us feel a little anxious at times. There’s so much to think about and sometimes it can feel
We can all be affected by loneliness at different points during our life and being a parent can often make us feel lonely or isolated.
This year National Share a Story Month is focusing on “A Feast of Stories” for 2024 Sharing stories together is one of the many joys
Adult Learning Lewisham offer amazing Family Learning courses that promote health, wellbeing and awareness of our environment in a fun, creative and engaging way. They
Chickenpox is common and mostly affects children, but you can get it at any age. It usually gets better by itself after 1 to 2
Here at Lewisham Children & Family Centres we love our bees! A great way to encourage bees into your garden is to get involved with
Are you confused about how and when to move your baby onto their first foods – you’re not alone? Research from Office for Health Improvement
Researchers at Birkbeck, University of London are looking for caregivers and their child to take part in a 7-week trial where you may be asked
Domestic abuse isn’t always physical. Coercive control is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that
Easter is a Christian Festival that commemorates Jesus’ crucifixion on Good Friday and celebrates his resurrection on Easter Sunday. It is one of the most
Even very young children spend lots of time online. These top tips have been written for you (parents and carers) by the UK Safer Internet
If you are (or suspect you are) a male victim of domestic abuse – you are not alone. There are many organisations that can help
If you have found our stress levels rising over the last few years, you’re not alone. Stress can have a huge impact on
It’s 60 years since a group of parents of autistic children founded the National Autistic Society to fight for autistic people’s rights. What is
Healthy Start are moving from paper vouchers to the Healthy Start card. The last paper vouchers will be sent out on the week starting the
The recent cases of Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa have highlighted the issue of violence against women and girls in London. All too often the
Single Parents Day is a day for single parents to reflect on and celebrate their achievements, for the world to show single parents how much
Facts about Climate Change Human activity has warmed the planet by 1.1°C in the last 200 years. Most of the warming has occurred in the
Although oral health is improving in England, the oral health survey of 5 year olds in 2019 showed that just under a quarter have tooth decay
Millions of people across the UK have have noticed our food, energy and petrol costs rising and talk of further rises can be really worrying.
Quit smoking Stopping smoking is one of the best things you will ever do for your health. When you stop, you give your lungs the
Today is International Women’s Day and this years theme is Embrace Equity. Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and
Many children may be worried about things that they are hearing on the news and on the radio about what’s happening in Ukraine. It can
Borough-wide Play Strategy Lewisham Council has commissioned the development of a Play Strategy for the borough, to help nurture the enjoyment, health and learning of
I don’t know about you but we just can’t resist a pancake! If you’ve not made pancakes before you can download and print the CBeebies
Please find below the timetable of activities from the Royal Society for Blind Children Go to the RSBC website for more information. https://www.rsbc.org.uk/calendar-of-activities/
Just scan the barcode, swipe to see the healthier options available, and make the swap the next time you’re out shopping. Grab your phone and start
Sign up for a Fruit & Veg Boost with NHS Better Health – Healthier Families By boosting the fruit and veg in your daily diet
HALF TERM VACCINATION DRIVE LAUNCHED IN LEWISHAM TO KEEP YOUNG PEOPLE IN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE AND PROTECT EDUCATION The Department for Education and the NHS
Half-term is fast approaching and now we can finally get out and about a bit more we’ve put together a list of local activities for
The Drumbeat Outreach schools team offers a termly calendar of workshops on a range of topics, strategies and interventions to support the needs of parents
Get ready for a whole borough celebration! We are ready to shake things up. We are ready for change. From venues to parks and street
The theme of this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week is Growing Together. Growing Together is about growing emotionally and finding ways to help each
Over the pandemic it has often been difficult to make and keep appointments but vaccinations are the best way to protect your baby against many
FUTURE KIDS PROJECT – Protecting the place we love Lewisham Children and Family Centres and Tea Dance for Little People (TDLP) celebrate Lewisham Borough of
Chinese New Year is one of the most important festivals of the year and celebrates the new lunar new year. The Chinese calendar is made
Bᴇɪɴɢ Tᴏɢᴇᴛʜᴇʀ Mʏ Bᴀʙʏ ᴀɴᴅ Mᴇ – 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 FREE 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 – 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁 FREE virtual 5 week post-natal support
It’s easy to do Big Garden Birdwatch from your garden, balcony, in your local park or from your window. Simply choose an hour between 28
Would you like to foster a love of nature in your child, and have fun outdoors in all weathers and seasons? Come and join us
This week is Cervical Cancer Prevention Week and here at Lewisham Children & Family Centres alongside Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust we wanted you to have
Happy New Year to you and your family, we hope you had a peaceful and very merry Christmas. We can’t wait to see you for
Any parent who has been along to one of our sessions such as Little Explorers, Sing it Move It or Stay & Play will be
Use the free Try Dry app to track and set your own custom goals for your drinking year-round, plus take on a dry month (or longer!) any
Bellingham, Evelyn, Ladywell and Clyde Children and Family Centres will be closed from 24th December until Tuesday 4th January 2022. Please be aware our email
The Wildlife Trust has some fantastic activities for you and your family this Winter. Take a look at their 12 Days Wild Activities to keep
You could get £150 off your electricity bill for winter 2023 to 2024 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme. The money is not paid to
Oasis Care and Training Agency are currently delivering several free childcare and teaching assistant courses for individuals who are interested in gaining a qualification to
Christmas as a single parent can be a daunting thought. So Gingerbread, which supports single parents and families, asked parents for their top tips for having
The festive period can be a difficult time for families but Qwell can help. Qwell is a safe and confidential space to share experiences and
Early Years lecturer and trainer Bernadette Burnett explains why children should take a break from plastic toys and reap the benefits of natural materials instead. When
Busy houses, big meals and boozy parties are part and parcel of Christmas for many people. While all of this can be a lot of
This winter, with funding from the Department of Education, Lewisham Council is providing a varied holiday programme, with free activities and lunches for school- aged
This week sees the start of Hanukkah, a Jewish festival that commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian-Greek rulers of Jerusalem and the
Unfortunately, we are not currently excepting referrals to this service After 14 months of online delivery, we have now returned to delivering the Children Overcoming
Why is road safety important? Road crashes are the leading cause of death for children and young people worldwide More than six children are killed
As parents and carers, we all want our children to be happy and safe and it is natural to worry about bullying – particularly if
Even the most patient of parents can find that shopping trips become a real battleground with young children, especially when you’re pressed for time
What are the effects of too much sugar? Too much sugar is bad for children’s health as it can lead to the build-up of harmful fat on
Happy Diwali to all our Families celebrating! Diwali is the five-day Festival of Lights, celebrating new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil, and light
Are you having a fireworks display at home this year? In the excitement, it’s easy to forget some safety essentials. Here we share the Child
Adult Learning Lewisham is offering wide range of short family learning courses for parents/carers and children to participate and learn together. Please see attached list
Everyone loves a good scare on Halloween, but not when it comes to child safety. There are several easy and effective things that parents can
This autumn/winter it’s essential you protect yourself and others against flu. Many adults, most children and all pregnant women are eligible for a free flu
Family Learning Festival is a national celebration to mark and inspire a love of learning in family life! With events taking place across the U.K.
The Drumbeat Outreach schools team offers a termly calendar of workshops on a range of topics, strategies and interventions to support the needs of parents
Are you the #parent of an 18 month old? Do you live in London? Take part in an #online parent focus group on screen time, bedtime and #child development run by
Sunday the 10th October was World Mental Health Day which helps us to focus on the importance of positive mental health and wellbeing, especially as
Health Visitors are registered nurses or midwives with a specialist qualification in public health. They work with families who have children between the ages of
Do you need help and support with a housing or a welfare benefits issue? Bench Outreach are providing weekly drop-in sessions: @ Clyde Early Childhood
October is Black History month and there are lots of ways to learn and explore Black History with your under 5’s Watch these dads and
Today marks World Mental Health Day which encourages us all to focus on our mental or emotional health. All of us have faced different challenges
Hi there! Would you believe it? The October School Holiday is fast approaching and I’m very excited to share with you the RSBC Activities Sheet
Autumn offers a rich bounty of inspiration for exploring and imaginations. Chances are if your children are in an early years setting, they’ll be doing
Stopping smoking is one of the best things you will ever do for you and your family’s health. It’s never too late to quit smoking.
We hear lots about routines when we have children. Whether it’s how to get your baby into a good sleep routine, managing your toddler’s toilet
As we move towards the colder Winter months it’s even more important for everyone who is able to have their COVID-19 vaccine. We know that
If you have any questions and would like to talk to someone about this role please email dawn.wilsondarke@eyalliance.org.uk For full details of the post, including
The tragic death of former Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding at just 39 reminds us all that it’s important to be aware of the symptoms
Adult Learning Lewisham Family Learning courses are designed to develop your own skills and knowledge, while guiding you to support and encourage your child’s development
This year has been difficult for all of us. Routines have changed, we’ve felt isolated from friends and family and many of us have been