• Childcare – finding it and advice on paying for it
• Local baby and toddler groups
• Events, clubs, activities, and fun things to do in the school holidays, for all ages
• Getting parenting and family support
• Finding health and wellbeing support

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

He’s coming home – domestic abuse support

Match days can bring a mix of emotions — from excitement and celebration to frustration and disappointment. For some people, this can increase tension at home. While most people enjoy the game safely, factors such as alcohol use, gambling outcomes and heightened emotions can increase risk in some households. Abuse is never acceptable, and responsibility always lies with the person choosing to use abusive behaviour.

So while most of us are hoping football is coming home, there are many women fearing that their partners will do the same. Abuse doesn’t start with the football world cup, but it can get worse during this time.

If you are worried about your safety, or about someone else, support is available.

• You are not alone
• You deserve to feel safe
• You can speak to someone in confidence at any time

To find support in Shropshire visit: https://next.shropshire.gov.uk/domestic-abuse/. Remember in an emergency, call 999, if you can’t speak press 55 for the silent solution.

If you’re concerned about someone: Check in when it is safe to do so, listen without judgement, encourage them to seek support. Small actions can make a big difference. Enjoy the match, look out for one another, and help keep our communities safe.

Summer fun at holiday clubs

There’s another school holiday just round the corner and you may be looking for engaging activities for your kids during the long summer break.

Holiday clubs are the perfect solution! Packed with fun, adventure, and learning, they offer a safe and dynamic environment for your children to thrive. From sports and arts to science experiments and interactive workshops, there’s something for every interest.

Check out local providers in our Family Information Directory and secure your child’s place today and let them enjoy a holiday full of discovery and excitement. Information to help families in Shropshire – Shropshire Together Community Directory

Pick your own at a local fruit farm

Visiting a pick your own fruit farm is a great summer activity for all the family. Check out our list of places in and around Shropshire.

Bellis Brothers – Wrexham

Woore Fruit Farm – North Shropshire

Hungersheath Farm Shop – Market Drayton

Bearstone Fruit Farm – Market Drayton

Holly Farm Garden Centre – Prees, Whitchurch

Arscott Farm – Shrewsbury

Grange Farm – Bridgnorth

Essington Farm – Essington, Wolverhampton

Keeping safe around water

Warmer weather and the summer months can mean many people take to the water to cool down. Teenagers and young adults often take risks around rivers, lakes, canals, reservoirs, quarries and other inland and coastal waters, especially in groups. Most teenagers – especially males – don’t fully recognise the risks they’re taking.

The Royal Lifesaving Society has produced a toolkit called ‘Have the conversation’ which includes simple conversation prompts that help teenagers understand the real risks of open water and make safer choices when hanging out with friends near rivers, lakes, beaches, and other bodies of open water.  You can download it here – Water Safety for Teenagers

Here’s some key advice for staying safe around water

• Educate young people around the risks of open water.
• Be aware of cold water shock, walking into the water rather than jumping in can help reduce the risk.
• Always supervise children closely around water.
• Never swim alone, especially in open water.
• Even shallow water can be dangerous and people can get into difficulty.
• Only swim in designated areas.
• If you see someone in trouble, don’t enter the water yourself and follow
  • Phone – call 999.
  • Throw – throw them something that floats to support them.
  • Float – tell them to lie on their back and gently move their hands to help them float.
• What3Words can help to provide the exact location when reporting an incident.

Calling all dads, granddads and male carers

Understanding Your Child – a group for dads, granddads and any male carer

Parenting can be challenging, whatever age your child is. This group offers practical ideas, straight talking support, and a chance to hear what has helped other parents in real life.

Join Peter and Tracy from the Parenting Team and other parents and carers, to explore what’s happening for your child, understand tricky behaviour, and pick up simple strategies to make family life feel calmer and more manageable.

What we’ll talk about:-

• Communicating and building connection with your child
• Routines like sleep and bedtime and any other routines you have as a family
• Understanding behaviour and big emotions
• Child development and how you can support it

Starts Tuesday 22nd September 2026, 5.00pm to 7.00pm in Shrewsbury – venue to be confirmed

The group meets once a week over 10 weeks, excl. half term with the last session being on Tuesday 1st December 2026.

To sign up email: parenting.team@shropshire.gov.uk or call: 01743 250950

End bedtime battles

Is your child struggling to go to sleep and stay asleep?

Our Sleep Tight workshop may be for you.  This free, five week group run by our Parenting Team covers sleep issues in children of all ages and will give you the support you need to get bedtime back on track.

Here’s what other parents say: “Absolutely fabulous workshop. Should be offered to first time parents when their babies are old enough for the skills learned to be applied. I have a disabled daughter and naively thought that the workshop wouldn’t apply to her needs, well I was wrong, I believe it applies to most children, and every parent can take massive positives away from this workshop! Awesome!”

There is a virtual group for all parents, and you can find out more here.

And there’s a face to face group for parent carers of children and young people with SEND and you can find out more about that here.

• Website
• Email
• FIS telephone helpline – 01743 254400.