Just under 100 adults and children attended a free Family Fun Day at Kendal West Family Hub, where families could access advice from council teams, meet partner organisations and take part in activities ranging from clay modelling to fire-engine visits.
The event was hosted by South Lakeland Best Start Family Hubs on Monday 10 August as part of the Family Hub’s summer programme. Families were able to speak to representatives from Housing, the Early Help Team, the Waste Reduction Team, the Early Years Service, SENDIAS and the Rights and Participation team.
Advice, activities and emergency-service visits
External agencies and partners also attended, including Active Cumbria, HDFT, Barnardo’s My Time, Brathay Trust, Sight Advice, Occupational Health, Springfield and the Maternity & Neonatal Voices Partnership.
Children could take part in bike marking, dressing up and other interactive activities with Hayley from Cumbria Police. Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service brought a fire engine, giving children the chance to sit inside and speak with crew members. Helen Ladhams, Kendal’s Mayor, also attended.
The activities included clay modelling, bunting decoration, glitter tattoos and sandwich making. Dedicated play areas were provided for babies and pre-school children, alongside large outdoor games. The council described the atmosphere as lively and welcoming.
What is happening next for families
The Family Hubs’ August update said teams would be at Kendal County Show on 9 and 10 September. Visitors were invited to find them in the education tent for activities, advice and an informal chat.
Free sessions were also scheduled throughout September, including the Togetherness parenting course, Decider Skills, Understanding Big Feelings and Stay and Plays. Families were directed to the Family Hubs’ What’s On page for dates, locations and booking information.
The programme also included an open day at the hub in Ulverston on 27 August. Families took part in activities and shared feedback about how they would like the centre to be used in the future.