South Tyneside Family Hubs celebrates its first birthday in June and to mark the occasion, an action-packed schedule of activities will be on offer to children, young people and their families.

Our launch week proved to be a hit with families after an extremely well-attended 2023 event, with some familiar activities back by popular demand.

This year’s celebration will be held across the South Tyneside Family Hub network, with a range of activities at a Hub near you.

From Tails & Snails and Animal Antics to balloon making and face painting, we’ve got something for everyone.

Families can also look forward to a family barbeque at Simonside Climbing Wall on Tuesday 11^th June as well as a host of other activities delivered by South Tyneside Youth Service.

FAQS

When is the Family Hubs first birthday celebration event?

South Tyneside Family Hubs first birthday celebration will take place from Monday 10^th June to Friday 14^th June. Each day will be split into various time slots.

Where will the event take place?

Activities will be split across the South Tyneside Family Hub network. View the full timetable of activities here.

Does the event cost to attend?

This is a drop-in event with a wide range of free activities available upon entry.

Who is the event for?

Everybody is welcome at our first birthday celebrations.

Where will I be able to park?

All Family Hubs have accessible free car parking. Find your local Family Hub here.

Can I reach South Tyneside Family Hubs on public transport?

Families can access various Family Hub locations via regular bus services. Some Hubs are also just a few minutes’ walk away from various Tyne and Wear Metro stops.

Is there disabled access?

Yes, South Tyneside Family Hubs is fully accessible.

Over 100 people celebrated International Day of Families at Hebburn Family Hub as children were treated to an action-packed evening of sports, dance, and exotic animals.

International Day of Families is a global observance that celebrates the diversity and importance of families, people, and cultures around the world.

Always a hit with children and parents alike, one of the events on offer was delivered by Tails ‘N Sails, a unique experience which aims to spread awareness on animal welfare in a fun but educational way.

Foundation of Light were also in attendance as budding sports stars enjoyed a variety of fun and games while Sound Vision threw its very own disco party.

Speaking about the success of the event, Founder of Tails ‘N Snails, Georgia Barker, said: “I loved meeting so many different families at the International Day of Families event.

“It was great to see so many children and adults interacting with the animals, asking questions and facing fears together. I love being able to interact with them and help them develop their interest around animal welfare.” 

Family Hubs Partnership Manager, Natalie Buglass, added: “It was great to see so many families with children of all ages to celebrate International Day of Families.

“We had so many activities on offer which all our families joined in with and enjoyed. I would like to say a huge thank you to our partners who attended the event to provide families with information about their valuable services.”

From announcing a new partnership with DadPad UK to celebrating the Global Big Latch On, April proved to be a month to remember at South Tyneside Family Hubs.

Breastfeeding mams celebrate Global Big Latch On

South Tyneside Family Hubs celebrated the Global Big Latch On, welcoming breastfeeding mothers from across the Borough to promote and support all things breastfeeding.

An event which is celebrated worldwide, the occasion presented the perfect opportunity for mothers to receive advice and support and engage with other breastfeeding mams.

Full Story – Click Here

Local dads set to benefit from new partnership

Dads’ and dads-to-be will have the opportunity to access top tips on Parenthood after South Tyneside Family Hubs announced a new partnership with DadPad UK.

The partnership will see local male parents/carers gain free access to the newly launched DadPad app, an easy-to-use resource packed with relevant information, as well as details on local support groups and service providers.

Full Story – Click Here

Generations of families unite in South Tyneside

South Tyneside Family Hubs proved to be a hive of activity in April, bringing three generations together to mark Global Intergenerational Week.

In its third year, Global Intergenerational Week proved popular across the Borough, as scores of children, parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents engaged and connected in Learning with Play activities across several Family Hub locations.

Full Story – Click Here

Other Hub news

We launched Souter Buggy Walk & Talk, a FREE activity offering families the perfect opportunity to connect with others and take in the incredible scenery while going on a guided walk along Souter Lighthouse and the Leas. Find out how to get involved.

We had a jam-packed Easter with our ever-popular half-term courses. Check out some of the best photos on Facebook.

South Tyneside Family Hubs and Anya are now offering local parents an App focusing on infant feeding and parenting support.

With 24/7 guidance, the app will provide parents with practical and emotional support on their breastfeeding and parenting journey, anytime, anywhere. With parents now able to access Anya’s resources throughout pregnancy, and until their child is two years old.

“Anya’s origin story is rooted in the real-world trials and tribulations faced by parents. We are passionately committed to providing parents with the empathetic, individualised support they crave on their parenting journey,” shared CEO Dr Chen Mao Davies, Founder of Anya.

“Our collaboration with South Tyneside Family Hubs underscores our shared vision of empowering parents with essential tools and unwavering guidance.”

Family Hubs Team Manager, Joanne Pringle, added: “We are delighted to be partnered with Anya.

“Being able to offer expectant and new parents in South Tyneside 24/7 evidenced based support through the first 1001 days is crucial, and we look forward to playing our part by supporting on a range of topics including breastfeeding, sleeping, weaning and child development.

To learn more about Anya and its services, please visit https://anya.health/

#AskAnya and #AnyaAnswers, 24/7

South Tyneside Family Hubs has been a hive of activity this week, bringing three generations together to mark Global Intergenerational Week.

This celebration embraces the power of connection between younger and older people, highlighting the amazing outcomes that are achieved when people of all ages come together.

In its third year, Global Intergenerational Week proved popular across South Tyneside, as scores of children, parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents engaged and connected in various Learning with Play activities.

All Saints and Horsley Hill Family Hub kicked off the fun and games, inspiring families to showcase their creative talents. Biscuit and bunting decorating were first up on the agenda before families took turns creating their very own handprint.

Bede and Hebburn Family Hub also delivered a day to remember with Hebburn treating families to a special breakfast. The event was concluded by one of our lovely grandparents as they led our singing time activity.

Reflecting on the support available and the importance of spending quality time with their grandchildren, one grandparent said: “I have developed a strong bond with others from sharing experiences.

“There’s a lot of help and a great network of support here. Having grandchildren has improved my quality of life and my health.”

Another grandparent added: “It is really important to me to spend time with my granddaughter. I have really enjoyed this group and we have made lots of friends.”

One grandparent commented: “We have loved coming here today. It’s lovely being able to spend time together in a new place with lots of toys. It gives you an idea of new things to do with them at home.”

One parent couldn’t hide her delight after seeing her own child having fun with their grandparent. “It means the world to me as I got to spend all of my time with her, now I get to watch my baby do the same.”

Check out some of the photos from All Saints and Horsley Hill here.

To view the best of the action from Bede and Hebburn, click here.

South Tyneside Family Hubs celebrated the Global Big Latch On this week, welcoming breastfeeding mothers from across the Borough to promote and support all things breastfeeding. 

An event which is celebrated worldwide, the occasion presented the perfect opportunity for mothers to receive advice and support and engage with other breastfeeding mams.  

Hosting not one but two events at All Saints and Hebburn Family Hub, over 50 mothers gathered together to breastfeed and offer peer support to each other.  

Reflecting on the event, Family Hub Partnership Manager & Infant Feeding lead, Helen Mitchell, said: “We were focused on making the Big Latch On as inclusive as possible, as we recognise that infant feeding journeys can be complex and varied.  

“This is why we invited all people who are feeding and raising their babies and children to attend – regardless of whether they are currently breastfeeding or not. 

“It was great to see so many faces in attendance, and seeing everyone leave with big smiles on their faces was amazing. We really appreciate everyone’s support.” 

All Saints and Hebburn Family Hub also proved to be a hive of activity with young people taking part in various activities, with Tiny Tweeties providing unique and entertainment for all to enjoy.  

One parent commented: “This was my first time out alone with the little one. I felt very comfortable and fed in public for the first time.” 

Another parent added: “The Big Latch was a lovely experience. The breastfeeding group has been such a good support for me.” 

Family Hubs provide a range of services in the local community, working with families to ensure that services meet the needs of infants, children, young people, and parents/carers.  

One of these services is our Breastfeeding Support Group – a group for antenatal and postnatal women who would like support around breastfeeding, with support from professionals. 

Currently, over 40 breastfeeding mams attend the group across four Family Hub locations. 

We spoke with Sarah, Hannah, and Rachel to find out what has been the biggest benefit to them as a mam since joining the group and why they would encourage other breastfeeding mothers to attend.   

“It’s good to be with other mams who are in the same boat as you”, said Sarah. 

“There are certain stages of breastfeeding that are tricky and getting that moral support, tips and hints from other mams is beneficial. It’s another excuse to get out of the house and get the babies interacting together.  

“It can also become hard with sleepless nights. You get that with bottle feeding, but with breastfeeding it’s solely on you. Dad can’t take over on a nighttime so it’s good to speak to other people. It gives you the momentum to push through the trickier stages.” 

Hannah added: “Feeling like you’re not alone or asking little questions that you wouldn’t want to bother a doctor or health visitor about is a great benefit. 

“You can ask the other mams here and it just makes you feel a lot more confident in what you’re doing because the other mams are going through the same things as you are.” 

Rachel is keen to see even more breastfeeding mams access the support on offer. “It’s a relaxed environment. It’s nice to be together and sometimes it’s not even about breastfeeding. Sometimes we don’t even breastfeed in a session, it’s just about being around everyone and the babies being together.” 

Find your nearest Family Hub here, or see a full list of activities and events below. 

Activities and events