Welcome to the October edition of the Family Info Service newsletter. It’s jam packed with spooky fun and ideas to keep the kids busy this half-term!

Remember, we cover everything and anything to do with family life, so if you have a question, chances are we’ll be able to help, or if we can’t, we’ll point you in the direction of someone who can. Find us on Facebook, Instagram or X. Call 01743 254400 or email ShropshireFIS@shropshire.gov.uk

Things to do at half-term

We have been scouring social media and noticeboards across the county to put together a list of activities and events for you to enjoy this half-term. From free library events to spooky Halloween discos, there is so much going on! Take a look and discover what’s on near you.

Find out more

Pick your own pumpkins

It’s that spooky time of year and pumpkins across the county are now ready to pick! We have put together a list of local pick your own pumpkin patches. We didn’t realise there were so many! From pumpkins and alpacas, spooky mazes, witches villages and other kids activities, pumpkin patches make a great family day out.

Find out more

Firework displays near you

Remember, remember the 5th November, gun powder, treason and plot. Also, fireworks that make you go ‘ooooh’, toffee apples that stick to your teeth and the smell of bonfire smoke that sticks to your coat for days.

There are some fantastic organised firework displays happening this year, including some low noise displays. Take a look at our directory to see what’s happening by you

Find out more

Childcare and holiday clubs

If you are looking for holiday clubs or childcare for October half-term, check out our list of local providers in our Family Information Directory. From arts and crafts, to animals, to football, there is something for everyone!

Find out more

Autumn scavenger hunts

Looking for things to do with the kids this half term? Why not try one of our free scavenger hunts?

We have three to choose from – one to do in your neighbourhood, one on a nature walk and one indoors.

Don’t have a printer? Grab a piece of paper and get the kids to create their own, using ours for inspiration.

Find out more

Stay safe this bonfire night

Did you know between 2014 –19 there were more than 1,000 severe burn injuries involving fireworks in England and Wales? 38% of these, were children under the age of 15.

Even if you always go to an organised display, it is worth knowing basic bonfire and firework safety, and what to do in an emergency. The Child Accident Prevention Trust have lots of useful resources, including child-friendly safety tips from Fireman Sam.

Find out more

Brand new group for parents

Although they are small, having a baby will have a big impact on your life! Family Foundations is a brand new group designed to help you and your partner build on your strengths to prepare for becoming parents.

If you and your partner are expecting your first baby together, we would love for you to come to one of our free, online, no obligation info sessions to see if the group could be helpful for you.

Sessions last 45 minutes with the chance for questions at the end. Book your place by emailing parenting.team@shropshire.gov.uk You can choose from the following dates:

Wed 6 Nov 2024, 5pm
Mon 11 Nov 2024, 1pm
Wed 13 Nov 2024, 9.30am
Mon 9 Dec 2024, 1pm
Fri 13 Dec 2024, 9.30am
Wed 18 Dec 2024, 5pm

Find out more

Music makers

Free music group for 3-4 year olds

Music makers is a free early years music course for 3 and 4 year old preschool children and their grown ups, at the Family Hub in Ludlow Youth Centre. Join us for a musical journey filled with fun and discovery.

Activities include:

Singing
Moving expressively to music
Keeping a steady beat
Exploring instruments
Listening
Simple composing
Following and creating soundscapes

Each family will be given a free instrument pack to take home!

The group starts on Tuesday 12 November 2024, 1.30pm- 2.45pm and runs for five weeks. Get in touch to find out more and book your place.

Call: 01743 562063

Text: 07816221666

Email: gatewayenquiries@hlnsc.ac.uk

Health advice for your child

Did you know you know you can get free health advice for your child via text?

If your child is 0-5 years old text Shropshire Health Visiting on 07520 635212, or if you live in the Telford area text 07520 619053

If your child is 5-19 years old (or 25 if they have special educational needs or disabilities SEND). Text Shropshire School Nursing Service on 07507 330346, or if you live in the Telford area text 07520 619051

Find out more

Like what you see?

What do you think of our newsletter? Do you find the info in it useful? What would you like to see more, or less, of? Got any ideas to make it even better? Take our super short survey and let us know. Seriously, it’s only four questions long. Thank you!

Super short survey