1. No category

Mid Sussex
Children & Family Centres
South
Spring Programme
January - March 2015
The Gattons Children & Family Centre
Tel:01444 255480
Sidney West Children & Family Centre
Tel:01444 255493
Sussex Downs Children & Family Centre
Tel:01273 467968
The services the Children & Family Centre offers are:

Information Advice and Guidance on different topics, e.g.
parenting, health, childcare, finance, further education, partner
services

Activities in your local area

Toy Library and Sensory Toy Library

Volunteering Opportunities

Family Outreach support

Courses
‘Reaching out to families’
The Gattons Children & Family Centre
Mon
9.00am-3.00pm
Child Health Clinic 9.30 - 11.30am. Please arrive before 11.15am
A drop in child health clinic for children aged 0-5 to see the Health Visitor.
Breastfeeding Support Group 10.00am – 12.00pm
Antenatal Clinic 9.00am - 4.00pm
Antenatal appointments with the Midwife. To book please call the Centre on
01444 255480
Toy Library 9.30am – 3.00pm
£2 joining fee. Borrow a wide range of toys and keep them for two weeks!
Information & Support 9.30am – 3.00pm The centre is open with trained
staff to support or sign post you to access a wide range of information
covering any family related topic
Tues
9.00am-4.00pm
Postnatal Clinic 9.30am - 4.00pm
Postnatal checks for new mums. Appointments through the Midwives.
Chatterbox 10.00 - 11.30am
By Speech and Language therapist referral only. Activities designed to help
support speech and language skills. 13th Jan, 17th Feb, 24th Mar
Speech & Language Therapy Drop Ins 1.00 - 3.00pm
6th Jan, 3rd Feb, 3rd Mar
Toy Library 9.30am – 3.00pm
£2 joining fee. Borrow a wide range of toys and keep them for two weeks!
Information & Support 9.30am – 4.00pm
Weds
9.00am-3.00pm
Stay & Play drop-in 10.00 – 11.30am
A first come, first serve play session.
Young Parents Group 1.00 - 2.30pm
A group for young parents up to the age of 25
Toy Library 9.30am – 3.00pm
£2 joining fee. Borrow a wide range of toys and keep them for two weeks!
Information & Support 9.30 – 3.00pm
Thurs
Fri
Open for specific services & training only.
Information, Advice & Guidance can be accessed at our sister centres at
Sidney West CFC.
Appointments & Childminders only
Antenatal Clinic 9.20am - 4.00pm
Antenatal appointments with the Midwife. To book please call the Centre on
01444 255480.
Childminders Drop In 9.30 - 11.30am
A group for Childminders and their children.
2nd Jan, 16th Jan, 6th Feb, 20th Feb, 6th Mar, 20th Mar, 17th April
If you have an urgent enquiry Mon - Fri outside of these hours and
before 5.00pm please contact 07743350662
Sidney West Children & Family Centre
Mon
9.30am12.00pm
Time to Talk - Postnatal Depression Group 10.00 - 11.30am
(By referral only) Starts on 19th Jan. 10 week course. Please contact the
centre if you would like more details.
Speech & Language Therapy Drop In 10.00 - 11.30am
19th Jan, 16th Feb, 16th Mar
Creating Communicators 10.00 - 11.30am
(By referral only) 2nd Feb, 9th Feb, 23rd Feb, 9th Mar, 23rd Mar, 20th Apr
Toy Library 9.30am – 12.00pm
£2 joining fee. Borrow a wide range of toys and keep them for two weeks!
Tues
9.30am12.00pm
Weds
Information & Support 9.30am – 12.00pm The centre is open with trained
staff to support or sign post you to access a wide range of information
covering any family related topic
Play & Learn Together 10.00 -11.30am
12 week pre-bookable course for 0-5 year olds and their parents/carers.
Places limited to 25 children—please book your place on 01444 255493
Toy Library 9.30am – 12.00pm
£2 joining fee. Borrow a wide range of toys and keep them for two weeks!
Information & Support 9.30am – 12.00pm
Open for specific services & training only.
Parent Education 1.30 - 4.00pm
Antenatal class for parents to be. (By appointment only through your midwife)
Thurs
9.30am-4.00pm
Home Birth Matters 12.30 – 2.30pm
(Every fourth Wednesday of the month) Please book your place on
01444 255493
Child Health Clinic 9.30 - 11.30am. Please arrive before 11.15am
A drop-in child health clinic for children aged 0-5 to see the Health Visitor.
Giggles & Wiggles 10.00 - 11.30am
An informal play session including Rhymetime. Suitable from birth to age one.
£1 per family.
Springboard Group 1.00 - 3.00pm
15th Jan, 5th Feb, 5th Mar. A service for hearing impaired children and their
families. For more information contact the centre.
Early Parenting Group 12.30 – 1.30pm
6 week course, starting 8th Jan. To book a place please contact your Health
Visitor.
Toy Library 9.30am - 3.00pm
£2 joining fee. Borrow a wide range of toys and keep them for two weeks!
Fri
9.30am12.00pm
Information & Support 9.30am – 4.00pm
Play & Learn Plus & Sensory Toy Library 10.00 - 11.30am
A play and support drop-in group, for children with disabilities, special needs
and their families.
ESOL—English for Speakers of Other Languages 1.00 - 2.30pm
Free English lessons & Crèche, spaces must be booked in advance. Term time
only.
Toy Library 9.30am – 12.00pm
£2 joining fee. Borrow a wide range of toys and keep them for two weeks!
Information & Support 9.30am – 12.00pm
If you have an urgent enquiry Mon - Fri outside of these hours and
before 5.00pm please contact 07599290168
Sussex Downs Children & Family Centre
Mon
9.30-12.00
Information & Support and Toy Library. The centre is open with trained
staff to support or sign post you to access a wide range of information
covering any family related topics.
Tues
CFC staff are attending the Child Health Clinic at Hurstpierpoint.
Regularly. Trained staff can support or sign post you to access a wide range of
information covering any family related topics and the Toy Library.
Weds
CFC staff are attending the Child Health Clinic at Hassocks.
Fortnightly. Trained staff can support or sign post you to access a wide range
of information covering any family related topics and the Toy Library.
Thurs
Play & Learn Together at Sayers Common 10.00 -11.30am
2nd & 4th Thursday of the month. See below for dates and venue.
Fri
1.00-3.30
Information & Support and Toy Library. The centre is open with trained
staff to support or sign post you to access a wide range of information
covering any family related topics.
Children and Family Centre will also be at selected Parent and Toddler groups,
Child Health Clinics and other activities throughout the week
Play & Learn Together
We would love you to join us at our Play and Learn Together session
in Mid Sussex South. As well as plentiful play-based learning
opportunities for you and your children to enjoy, our team are
available to chat to you and offer information, advice and guidance
on a range of subjects. You can also borrow resources from our Toy
Library and purchase Oral Health products!
Burgess Hill: Tuesdays, 10.00-11.30am at Sidney West CFC,
RH15 8HS. A 12 week pre-bookable course for 0-5 year olds and
their parents/carers. Places limited to 25 children so please book
your place on 01444 255493
Sayers Common: Thursdays, 10.00-11.30am at the Village Hall,
Sayers Common, BN6 9HX. A fortnightly, drop-in session – just come
along.
15th & 29th January, 12th & 26th February, 12th & 26th March.
What’s on at the Weekend?
DATES
14th Feb
ACTIVITY
VENUE
COST
The Glebe Centre
All Saints Church
Vicarage Road
A drop in art session for
Crawley Down
families with children who RH10 4JJ
have additional needs
10.30am 12.30pm
£5 per
family
2nd Saturday of
the month
Saturday Singalong
Haywards Heath
Library
Boltro Rd
RH16 1BN
All Sessions
10.30 –
11.00am
Free
1st Saturday of
the month
Saturday Singalong
Burgess Hill Library
The Martlets
RH15 9NN
East Grinstead C&FC
Blackwell Farm Road
East Grinstead
RH19 3JL
10.00 –
11.30am
£1 per
family
The Village Centre
Hurstpierpoint
BN6 9UY
10.00 –
11.30am
£1 per
family
th
March
th
April
14
25
Time Aside
TIME
Last Saturday of Saturday Singalong
the month
24th Jan
Family Breakfast Stay
& Play
A drop in play session for
the whole family Including
light breakfast
7th Feb
Family Breakfast Stay
& Play
East Grinstead
Library
32 – 40 West Street
RH19 4SR
A drop in play session for
the whole family Including
light breakfast
21st March
Family Brunch
Stay & Play
A drop in play session for
the whole family Including
light brunch
Woodside, 120 Middle 11.30am –
Village, Bolnore
1.00pm
Village, Haywards
Heath,
RH16 4GJ
£1 per
family
Parent and Toddler Groups
AREA
GROUPS
Okey Cokey Toddler Group
DAY
10.00 –
11.30am
01444 241063
Mon
1.15 –
2.45pm
01444 232337
Mon
2.00-3.30pm
01444 243629
Tues
9.45 –
11.30am
01444 242811
Thurs
10.00 –
11.30am
01444 244215
Thurs
2.00 –
3.30pm
01444 242940
St Andrews Parish Hall
Cants Lane, RH15 0LG
Methodist Church Hall
CONTACT
Mon
United Reformed Church
Junction Road, RH15 0JN
Sunbeams
TIME
Burgess Hill
Gloucester Road, RH15 8QD
Parent and Toddler Group
Salvation Army Hall
Cyprus Road, RH15 8DX
Noah’s Ark
The King’s Church
Victoria Road, RH15 9LR
St John’s Parent and Toddler
Group
St John’s Church Hall
Lower Church Road, RH15 9AA
Explore Baby & Toddler
Group
Fri
10.00 –
12.00pm
Fri
10.00 –
11.30am
01444232596
Mon
1.00 –
2.30pm
07906 898581
thebabystation@hotm
ail.co.uk
Mid Sussex Christian Centre
Leylands Road, RH15 8HS
Baby Station
Hassocks
United Reformed Church
Keymer Road, BN6 8AB
Scallywags Parent and
Toddler Group
Fri
10.00am –
12.00pm
Weds
9.30 –
11.15am
United Reformed Church
Keymer Road, BN6 8AB
Bumps, Babies and Toddlers
Thurs
1.30-3.00pm
Fulking
St Francis Church Hall
Priory Road, BN6 8PS
Toddlers @ Fulking
The Street
BN5 9LX
01273 841325
sharonne_bihet@yaho
o.co.uk
01273 843578 or
01273 842122
Weds
10.00am 12.00pm
(Runs all
year)
Hurstpierpoint
The Sanctuary
Mon
The Village Centre
Trinity Road, BN6 9UY
Fairfields Parent and Toddler
Group
Tues
12.00pm
sanctuary@
thepointchurch.
co.uk
01273 835008
9.30 –
01273 835639
11.30am
The Pavilion
Cuckfield Road, BN6 9RT
Ark
Fri
9.0011.15am
01273 832369
Weds
9.45am 12.00pm
01444 248520
Evangelical Church
High Street, BN6 9PU
Sayers
Common
9.30 –
Sayers Common Parent and
Toddler Group
Christ Church Hall
Oakhurst, BN6 9JA
Children and Family Centre Staff or Volunteers are in attendance at some of these
groups to offer services to parents. Some groups do have a waiting list, please check
with them.
Family Support & Outreach Service
Reaching out to families in the community
Being a parent or caring for children can be intensely rewarding and one of
the most joyous experiences imaginable. At times it can also be difficult and
challenging and let’s face it – how many of us had any training for the job?
Maybe you just need someone to listen when everyone else seems too busy,
or your problems seem to be piling up. If we can’t help you to sort things out
yourself, we will probably know someone else who can.
What is the Family Support & Outreach Service?
It is a West Sussex Children & Family Centre service providing six to eight
sessions of intensive, personalised support that involves home visiting. The
team will work with parents/carers to explore strategies and solutions to
everyday family issues.
Who is the Family Outreach Service for?
Anyone who is a parent or caring full-time for children under 5 years old, can
access the service.
To find out more call your local Children & Family Centre or speak to
your Health Visitor, GP, Midwife or Pre-School.
Child Development
Early Years Hub
For Families with Children with additional needs up to the age of 19.
Play & Learn Plus— drop in play session, Fridays 10.00 - 11.30am
Sidney West Children & Family Centre, Leylands Rd, Burgess Hill, RH15 8HS
Sensory Bus
Available for visits to homes, settings and toddler groups.
Please contact 01444 255477 for more details.
Free Disability Benefits advice
Do you have a child with a disability or additional needs and feel that you need some help
and support to access the right DWP benefits?
If so please contact Robert Hayes on 07850 240874 or by email on
[email protected].
Alternatively, Robert will be at the Early Years Hub on the 1st Friday of the Month.
These classes combine storytelling, music and movement, giving all babies from 6 weeks
to crawling a great physical foundation to development.
Baby Bumpkin is a relaxed, informal and fun way of supporting your child’s physical and
emotional development. The unique story structure will give ideas on how to
communicate and play with your baby at home.
Contact Mid Sussex Rural C&FC (01444) 255477 to book your place
Please note places are limited.
The Toy Library
Join our fabulous Toy Library and borrow up to 2 toys at a time and keep for 2-6 weeks.
Toys range from Story Sacks, themed play packs, outdoor play equipment, puzzles and
games, all of which will help your child to develop and learn. We also offer specialist
equipment and sensory resources to help children with additional needs. Please visit the
website to look at our catalogue: www.westsussex.gov.uk/toylibraries
£2 Joining fee for Parents & Carers
£5 for Pre-schools & Childminders
You can also borrow a range of reference books which are free to borrow covering a
variety of family topics, such as breastfeeding, weaning, parenting etc
Parenting Aspirations and Skills
‘Moving On Into Work’
Thinking of returning to work or going back to College to refresh your skills?
Need help developing confidence and finding routes back into volunteering and work?
This 6 week course (one two hour session each week) will cover CV writing, interview
skills and impact on benefits and money management. Crèche places available.
Our next ‘Moving on Into Work’ courses:
East Grinstead Children & Family Centre, Blackwell Farm Road, RH19 3LJ.
Thursdays, January 22nd, 29th, February 5th, 12th, 26th, and March 5th.
All sessions 1.00-3.00pm
Haywards Heath, Ashenground Community Centre, Southdown Close, Haywards Heath,
RH16 4JR
13th, 22nd, 27th and 29th January and 3rd and 10th February.
All sessions 9.30-11.30am
Hurstpierpoint/Hassocks: Course dates to be arranged in March. Please contact Dawn
Grant to find out more and book a place on the course.
All enquires about ‘Moving On Into Work’ call Dawn Grant on 07736946333 or
email: [email protected]
Central Sussex College Free Short Courses
Courses include Customer Service, Business and Administration, Mental Health
Awareness, Working in the Health Sector, Nutrition & Health, and Principles of Working
with Individuals with Learning Disabilities, Cleaning Principles and more.
Find out more and enrol at the Family Breakfast Stay & Plays
24th January, Blackwells CFC, Blackwell Farm Road, East Grinstead, 10.00-11.30am
7th February, Village Centre, Hurstpierpoint, 10.00-11.30am
21st March, Woodside, 120 Middle Village, Bolnore Village, RH16 4GJ, 11.30am-1.00pm
Baby Massage
“A special way to spend time with your baby”
Baby massage is a way of forming meaningful and secure attachment with your baby,
and developing a closer relationship whilst improving early communication. Suitable for
babies 6 weeks to crawling. Please contact your local centre for more details.
Impact Cookery
A fun, interactive course for beginners which enables you to cook healthy meals on a
budget and provide great new recipe ideas for all the family.
For dates, venues and to register your interest please contact your local centre.
Child and Family Health
Speech and Language Therapy Drop-Ins
The Gattons CFC, RH15 9SL
Tuesdays 1.00 – 3.00pm
6th Jan, 3rd Feb, 3rd Mar
Mondays 10.00 – 11.30am
19th Jan, 16th Feb, 16th Mar
Wednesdays 9.15 – 11.15am
4th Mar
Tuesday 1.00 – 3.00pm
17th February
Sidney West CFC, RH15 8HS
St Andrews Preschool, RH15 0LG
Hurstpierpoint Village Centre, BN6 9UY
Child Health Clinics
The Gattons CFC, RH15 9SL
Hurstpierpoint Health Clinic, BN6 9UQ
Hassocks Health Clinic, BN6 8LY
Sidney West CFC, RH15 8HS
Lindfield United Reform Church Hall
RH16 2HL
Nightingale Primary Care Centre
RH16 4BN
Mondays 9.30 – 11.30am
Tuesdays 10.00 - 12.00pm
Wednesdays 9.30 – 11.30am
Thursdays 9.30 – 11.30am
Thursdays 10.00 - 11.30am
Tuesdays 1.30 – 3.00pm
Fridays 9.30 – 11.00am
Breastfeeding Support
The Gattons CFC, RH15 9SL
Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath,
RH16 4EX
Hassocks Health Clinic, BN6 8LY
Mondays 10.00 - 12.00pm
Wednesdays 1.30 – 3.30pm
Wednesdays 9.30 – 11.30am
Introducing Solids Sessions
Nightingale Primary Care Centre, RH16 4BN
Penn Crescent CFC, RH16 3HP
2.00 – 3.00pm Friday 16th Jan
2.30 – 3.30pm Friday 13th Mar
2.00 – 3.00pm Monday 9th Feb
ABOVE SESSIONS ARE BOOKED VIA THE NIGHTINGALE CLINIC 01444 414100
Sleep Workshops
Haywards Heath CFC, RH16 3HP
1st Friday of the month, 9.30 – 11.30am
2nd Jan, 6th Feb, 6th Mar
*Crèche provided
Please book by ringing Katie Biggs, Health Visitor, on 01444 248901
Mid Sussex Wellbeing
Mid Sussex Wellbeing offers you information, advice and guidance
on all things to do with your health and wellbeing ranging from
becoming more active, losing weight, dealing with stress, quitting
smoking or to find ways to improve your emotional and mental
wellbeing.
To find out more about the services available visit
www.wellbeing.midsussex.gov.uk
or call 01444 477191 for more information
Get Involved!
Get Involved!
We treat all children and families with dignity and respect, recognising that
everyone is different and individual. All services are developed and delivered to
ensure equality of access for all.
We are always interested in receiving feedback about our services; please send
us an email or telephone us if you have any comments. Thank you.
Have Your Say Whilst the Children Play
Ideas about how we could improve? Or want to have your say about what happens at your centre
and in the local community? Then come along to one of our fun, free sessions and share your
ideas...
Join us at a play session open to families with children under 5 years.
Please contact your local centre
01444 255480/ 01444 255493/ 01273 467968 for further details
Help shape the future of your local C&FC
Centre Partnership Group and the Local Group
Our centres are monitored by a governing body made up of parents, partners from Health,
Education, Pre-Schools, Toddler Groups, and the voluntary sector. The Centre Partnership Group
will be in February, May, August & November
We will also run Local Group Meetings that focus on specific local issues raised by you that will
feed into the centre programme and link directly to the main CPG meeting. The Local group
forums will be held January, April, July & October.
We would love you to get involved and have your say about how the centre can develop and
improve its services. If you are interested in getting involved contact Denis Byrne on
[email protected] or t) 01273 467968
Discover Volunteering
Parents and Carers, do you want to…
• make a difference to children and families?
• share your skills and gain new ones?
• explore back to work opportunities and career ideas?
Contact our Parent Volunteer Coordinator
Sharon Attfield-Davis - [email protected]
or phone any of the centres to ask for information.
Visit our Facebook pages for regularly updated
information, latest activities and events!!
http://www.facebook.com/MidSussexRuralCFC
http://www.facebook.com/MidSussexUrbanCFC
Where to Find Us
The Gattons Children and Family Centre
Tel:01444 255480
Email: [email protected]
www.westsussex.gov.uk/thegattonscfc
Royal George Road ¦ Burgess Hill ¦ RH15 9SL
Sidney West Children and Family Centre
Tel: 01444 255493
Email: [email protected]
www.westsussex.gov.uk/sidneywestcfc
Leylands Road ¦ Burgess Hill ¦ RH15 8HS
Sussex Downs Children and Family Centre
Tel: 01273 467968
Email: [email protected]
www.westsussex.gov.uk/sussexdownscfc
The Village Centre ¦ Trinity Road ¦ Hurstpierpoint ¦ BN6 9UY
Useful Links
Childcare & Family Information
www.westsussex.gov.uk/fis
Free Entitlement (early years provision)
www.westsussex.gov.uk/freechildcare
Early Support
www.westsussex.gov.uk/earlysupport
Jobs in Childcare
www.westsussex.gov.uk/childcarejobs
Toy Libraries
www.westsussex.gov.uk/toylibraries
Children & Family Centres
www.westsussex.gov.uk/cfc