Hello and welcome to our summer special newsletter, packed full of info and ideas to keep the kids busy and having fun this summer. We’ll also be posting events and activities on our socials throughout the summer holidays, to help keep boredom at bay.
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
Shropshire Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is now open for bookings.
Your child aged 4 (reception class age) to 16 can get a FREE place:
if you get benefits-related free school meals, or
have been referred by a professional
A number of holiday clubs are able to offer places to children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).
Some holiday clubs also offer additional paid places, that are available to those not eligible for HAF, so it’s worth taking a look if you need childcare or activities to keep your children busy during the holidays.
Find out more – https://next.shropshire.gov.uk/holiday-activities-and-food-programme-haf/
There are some amazing holiday clubs happening this summer, including:
Nerf battles, assault courses and Nintendo Switch competitions with Go Party Shropshire in Ludlow
caring for animals, collecting eggs, learning about farm life with Project Farm, Astley, Near Shrewsbury
swimming, sports, craft and cooking with Osclub, Oswestry
Shropshire Youth will be getting out and about this summer, bringing you some brilliant activities at their pop-up events. Young people aged 11+ are invited to come along and meet their youth workers and enjoy activities such as:
- football
- free bike repairs with Shropshire Cycle Hub
- creative workshops
- archery
- BBQs, plus other food and drink
The events will provide young people with a safe space to hang out with their mates.
Find out more – http://search3.openobjects.com/kb5/shropshire/fid/results.page?qt=Pop+up+youth+space&term=&familychannel=0&sorttype=relevance
Looking for exciting Summer holiday events in Shropshire? Then look no further than our Family Information Service Directory.
We’ve gathered the best events going on in and around Shropshire, that are sure to make this summer the most memorable one yet. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, workshops or a great family day out, we have something for everyone.
You can even filter by area to find the activities closest to you. Click on the button below and find out what’s going on near you.
Find out more – http://search3.openobjects.com/kb5/shropshire/fid/results.page?qt=Summer24&term=&familychannel=0&sorttype=relevance
The Marvellous Makers Reading Challenge launches this month! The National launch is on 6 July, while Shropshire is having its main launch events on 20 July once most of the county’s schools have broken up for the summer.
For those new to it, the Summer Reading Challenge is an annual partnership between the Reading Agency and public libraries all over the UK, which invites primary aged children to sign up to read 6 library books of their choice over the summer break.
For every 2 books completed, they receive stickers to complete their welcome packs, with fun activities along the way. At the end, they earn a medal and certificate.
The challenge is completely flexible and is intended to be fun, so if 6 books is not a suitable target then you are free to set your own.
Perhaps a keen reader would prefer a target of 10 books instead, or someone who is new to chapter books might like to set a target of 2 over the summer.
Whatever your reading challenge looks like, Shropshire Libraries are ready to celebrate it with you! Visit your local library to find out more and book on to one of their special events.
Find out more – https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/#online
It’s fair to say that all parents from time to time need some help and support with issues that impact on family life, and the long school summer holidays can certainly be one of those times. There is help and support available in Shropshire and here’s just a few ways in which parents can get support
Early Help Family Drop Ins
You can get free Information, advice and support on all aspects of family life, at our Family Drop-In. You can chat, have a cuppa and see how we can help you with:
- Family life
- Parenting support
- Domestic abuse support
- Money worries
- Housing support
- and much more
To find your local drop in please visit the Family Information Directory
Parenting Help and Support Line
The Parenting Help and Support Line are here for parents with a friendly listening ear and practical advice on everything from behaviours that challenge to sleep issues. No judgment, just support, through this anonymous and confidential service.
Call 01743 250950 Monday – Thursday, 9.30am – 4.30pm or Friday, 9.30am – 3.30pm or email: parenting.team@shropshire.gov.uk
Find out more – https://shropshire-fid.directory-platform.com/kb5/shropshire/fid/results.page?qt=freeinfo&term=&familychannel=0&sorttype=relevance
Many families in Shropshire are worried about rising costs. Shropshire Council and partners have put together a support page, to make it easier to know what support is available, and how to access it. The page includes:
- Help you can get from the council
- Support with energy and heating costs
- Support with money, benefits and grants
- Help with food including food banks, food shares and meal planning
So, if you’re getting into debt or your mental health is suffering, don’t wait to get help, there may be simple steps you can take today to cut costs or maximise your income.
Find out more – https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/cost-of-living-help/
Picnics are a great option for a low cost day out with your family in the summer months. These English Heritage sites are exciting to explore, dog friendly and best of all FREE to visit. Check out the full list on our Family Information Directory
Find out more – http://search3.openobjects.com/kb5/shropshire/fid/results.page?qt=English+Heritage+picnic&term=&familychannel=0&sorttype=relevance
