Furness Barrow, Dalton, Ulverston & Millom

Newsletter | December 2012

‘It’s difficult to believe that it’s only a couple of weeks to Christmas – and that we are nearly at

the end of 2012. It has been a busy few months – with new activities happening in the centres

and planning for next year’s activities taking place. Look out for news of ‘What’s On’ to know

what is happening in your own area.

As the weather gets colder we are aware that it’s sometimes a struggle to budget as we need to

over Christmas – at a time of year when we need to also keep the heating on. We do have

access to some Winter Warmth funding if you are struggling to meet the heating bills. We need

evidence of families being on particular Benefits to qualify – but we are keen to make sure that

if you need the fund you get it. So if you think you qualify contact your closest Centre – or speak

to a member of our staff.

Have a great Christmas – make sure that you go along to whatever is happening in your local

centre and in January pick up our new What’s On.

Merry Christmas and here’s to a happy and healthy 2013’

JoyceJoyceJoyceJoyce

Christmas at Action for Children

Christmas is coming so why not get into the festive spirit and help support Action for Children

at the same time? Here are a few things you can do if you would like to get involved...

Christmas appeal Our Christmas appeal this year focuses on hunger. The appeal is based

on research conducted with a selection of our services which highlighted that hunger is an

increasing issue. The appeal has been supported by media coverage on The One Show on

BBC1 and Helen Donohoe, Director of Public Policy was interviewed on BBC Radios 4’s

Women’s Hour. You can listen to the interview at home by using this link -

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01nq3sl. We also have 15 Action for Children Christmas

trees in train stations across the country, located in stations including Manchester Piccadilly,

Birmingham New Street and London Euston.

If you would like to ask your friends and family to support our appeal, please ask them to

text DONATE1 to 70080 to give £3 to Action for Children.*

Contact Alicia on 01229 871974Contact Alicia on 01229 871974Contact Alicia on 01229 871974Contact Alicia on 01229 871974

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES This summer Newbarns offered a wide range of activities for our service users, one of the most

popular being PETS PARADE. We had lots of different animals visit us including Spiders,

Snakes, Lizards and Racoons. The children and parents loved seeing and holding all the different

animals. After the animals had gone, the children made their own animals to take home which

they loved!

‘We really enjoyed holding all the

pets and learning

‘I enjoyed playing

and crafting. It

was really fun!’

‘Really enjoyed showing

our pets and telling

everybody all about

them’

Contact Judith on 01229 829320Contact Judith on 01229 829320Contact Judith on 01229 829320Contact Judith on 01229 829320 Contact Judith on 01229 829320Contact Judith on 01229 829320Contact Judith on 01229 829320Contact Judith on 01229 829320

At Hindpool Children’s Centre we offer a variety of groups for children of all ages, including

Toddler Time. We hold 2 sessions a week, Monday morning for children aged 12 months-

3 years and a Friday afternoon for children aged 2-4 years. There is a range of activities within

Toddler Time, including a craft session, singing and there is a focus on different topics within the

EYFS covered monthly.

Recently, we have been

learning about music, playing

musical instruments, singing

songs and songs with actions

which all of the children and

parents really enjoyed.

Contact Shona or Karen on 01229 877220Contact Shona or Karen on 01229 877220Contact Shona or Karen on 01229 877220Contact Shona or Karen on 01229 877220

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES In honour of the brilliant LONDON OLYMPIC GAMES, this summer,

Ormsgill held their own Olympic Week with Flag Making Workshops, Games Sessions and the

Olympics Games day that saw children and parents enjoying activities such as making their own

Olympic torch, indoor and outdoor games and an awards and closing ceremony.

‘Holiday activities are brill they keep us entertained all holidays. I don’t know what we would do without them’

‘Had great time Flag Making and the flag hunt, learnt new flags today and enjoyed painting and cutting hands out’

At Ormsgill we are always working towards creating a welcoming and friendly environment for

children and parents, and are open to suggestions on how we can improve our service. If you

would like to share any ideas you have please feel free to contact us.

********************************************************

ConConConContact Wilma on 01229 820049tact Wilma on 01229 820049tact Wilma on 01229 820049tact Wilma on 01229 820049

Since the last newsletter we have bid a fond farewell to Carol Budge who is now enjoying her

retirement although we still see her round and about the Centre. Wilma has returned to

Greengate Children’s Centre and is happy to be back.

We are all busily preparing for Christmas and the groups are running at full swing. We have been

working in partnership with The Oaklea Trust and NACRO running groups into the evening which

means that the Centre is becoming more of a feature of the community being open more hours.

Christmas Dinner is once again being served in GG’s Café

with a two course dinner costing £5.50 being served every

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the run up to

Christmas.

On Thursday December 20th we will be holding

our Christmas Fun Day, for more information please

phone the Centre. Santa will be here and there will be

fun Christmas activities to make and do. The Café will be

open for snacks and drinks if you need to take a well-

earned rest.

Everyone at Greengate Children’s Centre wishes you a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New

Year and we are looking forward to seeing you all returning refreshed for another year filled with fun.

Our groups re-start from Monday 14th January.

***********************************************************

Smile for Life is an oral health improvement programme to help adults and children improve their oral health, whether you are a parent, carer, you work with children or a health professional. Smile4Life covers 4 key themes: 1. Encouraging healthy eating and drinking 2. Encouraging regular tooth brushing 3. Encouraging the promotion of a healthy lifestyle 4. Visiting the dentist regularly Contact us: info@smile4life.org.uk

Contact Anji Contact Anji Contact Anji Contact Anji

on 01229 824602on 01229 824602on 01229 824602on 01229 824602

Baby Massage is aimed at new babies to those who are walking. These sessions are held in a small

group to enable individual tuition and to ensure the sessions are calm and peaceful for the parents,

carers and babies. Baby massage is scientifically proven to strengthen the bond between the carer

and baby and often helps promote a calm baby who is more able to settle into a regular sleep

pattern.

‘It is lovely to share some special time

with my baby’

‘Attending Baby Massage has increased my

confidence handling a new baby for the first

time’

Please phone the Centre for further information

as places are limited.

Sessions are held regularly on

Wednesdays from 10.00am to 11.30 am.

Contact Eleanor on 01229 476980Contact Eleanor on 01229 476980Contact Eleanor on 01229 476980Contact Eleanor on 01229 476980

Toddler Time is a group that we run here at Walney

Children’s Centre. It is for children aged between 1 and 3

years old. A fun and creative way to interact with your

child. Here are some of the comments made by parents

who attend.

‘Have been coming for 3+ years now. Lots of activities

to keep us entertained’

‘A happy, safe environment for the toddlers to play & try new activities. Lisa and Tracy are great with the

kids too’

‘Both my granddaughters have been coming here from babies.

Fantastic group. Both enjoy it and do not want to go home.’

Contact Nicola on 08455 436913Contact Nicola on 08455 436913Contact Nicola on 08455 436913Contact Nicola on 08455 436913

Street Art Ulverston Children's Centre mini youths/youths have been getting arty creating

their own street art on the exterior walls of the Ulverston Children's Centre.

Before

They came up with an

impressive colourful

underwater scene with

the help of artist Sarah.

During

After

Rudolph’s carrot flapjacks

Ingredients

200g butter

100g golden syrup

50g soft light brown sugar

300g rolled oats

2 grated carrots

Zest of 1 orange

100g chopped apricots

1 tspn cinnamon

50g pumpkin seeds

Method

Heat the oven to 160c/gas 3. Line an 18cm

square baking tin with greaseproof paper.

Melt butter, golden syrup and sugar in a large

pan. Mix in everything else. Stir everything

well then pack into the prepared tin pushing

down firmly. Bake to 40 – 45 minutes then

cool in the tin before slicing into 16 squares.

Contact Charlotte on 01229 407790Contact Charlotte on 01229 407790Contact Charlotte on 01229 407790Contact Charlotte on 01229 407790

Snowman Stories

Parents and children got into the festive spirit at the Snowman Stories activity held at Dalton

Children's Centre. The children created their own healthy snowman shaped faces for snacks,

played games, watched classic Christmas movies and made Christmas cards and gifts.

************************************************************* Why Choose well?

NHS Cumbria has launched a campaign called Choose well to make sure that people

across the county know how and where to get the best NHS care for any illness or

injury.

'Choose well' advises people on the range of health services available across the county

and where they should go for the best NHS care for their condition. Many minor

ailments can also be tackled through self care at home with a well stocked medicine

cabinet.

A range of NHS services are available across Cumbria for every health situation:

· A&E and 999 - Are for life threatening conditions a nd emergencies only

· NHS Walk-In Services - Both Minor Injury Units or P rimary Care Assessment Services can treat minor inj uries and illnesses

· GP Surgery - If you have an illness or injury that won't go away

· Your Community Pharmacy - Has fully trained health professionals who'll provide quality

· NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 - Offers expert help and a dvice over the phone

· Self Care - A well-stocked medicine cabinet can hel p with most minor cuts, grazes and ailments such as diarrhoea, colds, flu and headaches , but seek medical advice if worried

Voice 4 Youths We are a group of youths who meet every Tuesday night 3:30-4:30pm. During our time with

the group we have planned sessions for our peers during the summer holidays such as: a pamper

day, a cooking and an activity session which everyone enjoyed. As part of our group we are

also involved in the Copeland Youth Council which meets in Whitehaven, and represents

Copeland Borough. One of our group members even

stood for Youth Councillor, and as part of this visited

Blackpool Youth Council. As a group we have

planned a stall for the Annual Christmas Market in

Millom Market Square where we made and sold items

that we had made during the sessions on the run up

to the event. We made different things such as little

sweet treats, magical reindeer dust, Santa’s Christmas

keys and had a competition ‘Guess the name of the

Teddy’. We made £15 it was a great and successful

day and we all enjoyed taking part in it. Next we will be planning activities for the half term

holidays. “We all enjoy coming to the group because we like having our say on what activities

we like and we like having opportunities to be a part of the planning”.

Contact Dawn on 08455 436914Contact Dawn on 08455 436914Contact Dawn on 08455 436914Contact Dawn on 08455 436914

Contact 407800 for a FREE Home Fire Safety

� Ensure you have a working smoke alarm installed on all levels of your home. A working alarm can give you the vital time needed to escape in a fire. Test

your smoke alarms regularly and never remove batteries to power presents!

� Never place candles near your Christmas tree or materials that can catch light easily.

� Keep candles, lighters and matches out of children’s reach. Never leave burning

candles unattended.

� Never overload electrical sockets. Always switch Christmas lights off and unplug them

before you go to bed.

� Decorations can burn easily – so don’t attach them to lights or heaters.

� Make sure your family and visitors know how to escape in an emergency.

� Check your Christmas tree lights carry this British Safety Standard sign.

from Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service

Action for Children is made up of approximately 7000 staff and 2000 volunteers nationwide.

Together, we support and speak out for the UK’s most vulnerable and neglected children and

young people, for as long as it takes to transform their lives.

Our vision is a world where all children and young people have a sense of belonging, and are

loved and valued – a world where they can fulfil their potential, shape their destiny and

experience the joy of life.

Our purpose is always to be there for the most vulnerable children and young people, helping

them break through injustice, deprivation and inequality, so they can achieve their full

potential.

Our current strategic objectives:

♦ We will make a positive difference in the lives of children and young people and ensure all

our decisions and actions are governed by this imperative.

♦ We will maximise our opportunities to increase support to the most vulnerable children and

young people. ♦ We will continually improve Action for Children’s efficiency, effectiveness and long term

security.

To find out more go to: www.actionforchildren.org.uk

New Claims Contact Centre 0800 055 6688

New Claims Text phone 0800 023 4888

Benefit Enquiries - JSA, IS, ESA, IB 0845 608 8545

Jobseeker Direct (to search for a job) 0845 606 0234

Maternity Allowance 0845 608 8610

Bereavement Benefit 0845 608 8602

Tax Credits 0845 300 3900

Social Fund Enquiries 0845 603 6967

Crisis Loan 0800 032 7952

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Benefit Enquiry Line 0800 882 200

(disabled people and carers)

Carers Allowance 0845 608 4321

Child Benefit Helpline 0845 302 1444

Child Maintenance Options 0800 988 0988

Disability Living Allowance 0845 712 3456

National Insurance

Contribution Enquiries 0845 915 7006

Winter Fuel Payment Helpline 0845 9151 515

VOLUNTEERING WITH ACTION FOR CHILDREN

Would you like to donate a few hours a week?

Are you interested in working with children, young people & families & would like some

experience?

Do you want to share your skills & make a difference?

If the answer is ‘yes’ to any of these questions then why not become a volunteer

at Furness Children’s Centres?

There are lots of volunteering opportunities:

◊ Family Learning - Under 5’s

◊ Junior Youth Team

◊ Home Family Support

◊ Crèche Team

◊ Administrative Support Team

◊ Parenting Course Co-facilitator

◊ Health and Well-being

◊ Community Café

◊ Specialist Volunteers e.g. fundraising, musicians, health/ fitness, counselling, cookery,

gardening…

Training and out of pocket expenses are provided

There is a volunteer induction coming up in the spring, covering such topics as:

The Importance of Play;

Safeguarding Children and Young People;

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion;

Confidentiality and Professional Boundaries;

Effective Communication;

Health and Safety;

Food Hygiene. This is delivered as six 3 hour sessions on a week day with a crèche or on

three full days on Saturdays without a crèche.

To find out more contact:

Volunteer Co-ordinator - Vicky Sheppard 01229 476980

Contact Jai or Gayle on Contact Jai or Gayle on Contact Jai or Gayle on Contact Jai or Gayle on

01229 83289401229 83289401229 83289401229 832894

The FaB Project wins an Award!

The FaB Project (Families and Babies) is a new

partnership project between the Children’s Centres

and Furness General Hospital supporting parents

with premature or sick babies. Jai and Gayle the

FaB workers provide information and support on

Special Care Baby Unit each week to ease the

transition between hospital and going home. Last

month they were presented with an award after

winning The Health Hero’s Innovation Award.

Courses for Young Parents

♦ Are you a parent or parent to be, aged 20 years or under, and would

like to gain a qualification?

♦ The Parents With Prospects and Young Parents to Be courses could be

for you !

♦ It’s fun, flexible and relaxed and you can bring baby along too.

♦ For more information contact Jai and Gayle on 01229 832894