With the summer holidays in full swing, and several weeks left until the start of a new school year, leading children’s charity Barnardo’s is offering a packed programme of activities, events and support this August for families across Birmingham and Sandwell.

There are multiple Barnardo’s Family Hubs in the region offering fun activities for children and young people, and essential support for parents – all at no cost.

Rachel Jesson, Barnardo’s Children’s Services Manager in Sandwell said: “At Barnardo’s Family Hubs across Sandwell and Birmingham, we offer a range of events, activities and support for families with children aged from birth to 19 years – or up to 25 years of age for young people with SEND – and we’ve kept a very full timetable of activities and things to do over the summer period, so that parents can keep to their regular routine. We’ve also extended the age range for some of our regular early years sessions so that older siblings can come along while they are off school.”

In Birmingham, Barnardo’s Family Hubs in Ladywood District are hosting a series of Summer Fun Days with games, arts and crafts, and snacks; Edgbaston Family Hubs have a range of sessions for little ones, including Boogie Babies for under-ones, Summer Stay and Play for under-fives, and family fitness classes; and Selly Oak has a packed timetable of events including musical-themed sessions for babies, antenatal and food events, and summer crafts.

Across the seven Barnardo’s Family Hubs in Sandwell, there are a range of events and activities for all ages, including Stay & Play sessions, based on a different story each week; Story Garden sessions at local libraries; Family Drop Ins led by Barnardo’s parenting team to provide advice and support in a variety of areas; and Ready for Learning classes, for parents with a little one starting nursery. A series of Summer Fun days, aimed at the whole family, are also planned across the Sandwell Hubs, with games and activities, a raffle and tombola, crafts, and food and refreshments.

Barnardo’s Birmingham Family Hubs are located in Northfield District, Edgbaston District, Ladywood District, Yardley District and Selly Oak; and across Sandwell, in West Bromwich, Wednesbury, Oldbury, Smethwick, Rowley, and Tipton.  For more information, visit: barnardos.org.uk and sandwellfamilyhubs.barnardos.org.uk