Public health news: South Tyneside Family Hubs Activities

Public health news: September 2024

From celebrating World Breastfeeding Week to thousands of families enjoying our six-week programme, summer 2024 was one to remember at South Tyneside Family Hubs!

Summer fun

South Tyneside Family Hubs were a hive of activity during the summer holidays. Thousands of children took part in the new and exciting activities on offer including a Teddy Bears Picnic at Souter Lighthouse and a trip to Bill Quay Farm.

Our Learning with Play sessions had a different theme each week. Families donned their best costumes while they explored much-loved stories and characters.

The popular Science Buddies UK and Williby Roc's also delivered activities across all 12 Family Hubs. Budding scientists tackled a range of experiments and Williby Roc's inspired the next generation using the natural environment.

Breastival

We welcomed more than 200 breastfeeding mothers and children to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week at our network of exciting Breastival events.

The theme for 2024 was 'Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all'. World Breastfeeding Week highlights the importance of reducing health inequalities by making sure breastfeeding support is available to everyone.

The Family Hubs are passionate about making this a reality in South Tyneside. Our Breastival celebrations saw families of all backgrounds engage in the activities on offer.

Find out more about the work being done to support breastfeeding in Public health news: We are Breastfeeding Friendly.

Our first event saw families enjoy a teddy bears picnic at Riverside Family Hub, which was followed by a teddy bear hunt in the garden, story time, arts and crafts and a sing-song. The Breastival celebrations continued as Hebburn Family Hub welcomed an incredible 107 mothers and babies to mark the occasion.

Face painting, biscuit decorating, hook the duck, fabric craft activities, sensory play and bloom sessions were just some of the activities on offer for little ones. Parents could find out more about services available and enjoy a mini pamper session from local business, Honour your Beauty.

After the event, South Tyneside Family Hubs caught up with some of the mothers who heaped praise on the event. One mam said: "It's been a great day, and the Family Hubs are fantastic."

"It's so lovely to have caring people around to advise and support you through breastfeeding."

Another mam added, "I love being a part of this community. It was great to see everyone and just talk to people without being judged. The breastfeeding support team has helped me so much and I am forever grateful."

Autumn activities

There are lots more activities planned for Autumn too!

Visit South Tyneside Family Hubs website to check out the Autumn What's on Guide.  

We also run a wide range of fun, family-friendly seasonal activities throughout South Tyneside every Easter, Summer, Christmas and half-term school holiday.

Keep up to date with everything happening across the Family Hubs by checking out our Facebook page.