East Herts Family Centre Service

17/01/2026

👨 Call all Dads!

Our Becoming Dad sessions are an inclusive information event for new and expectant fathers to help them connect with and understand their babies’ needs. This is a hands-on session where your baby aged 0 – 1 year can come too!

Where: Selections Family Centre, Hertford
When: Saturday 24th January, 09:00 - 12:00

Book your place today: https://buff.ly/niBcUIA

17/01/2026

Stopping smoking does wonders for your health & your pocket!🚭

Once you stop smoking your body starts to feel the benefits, after just 48 hours of being cigarette free your lungs will start clearing out mucus, and your sense of taste and smell will start improving.

Saving Money:
The average smoker has 13 ci******es a day, which works out as 364 ci******es a month. That's £141 a month and £1,696 a year that you could be saving by not smoking. If you're looking to quit this year there's lots of support available for you:

💙Register with the NHS SmokeFree to get daily email support: https://buff.ly/2wrRRLQ

16/01/2026

Toilet Training Tips 🚽
Check out these helpful tips from ERIC UK to support your little one on their toilet training journey:

🚻 Get them involved: Start by letting your child help with changing their nappy. Change them standing up, let them assist with clothing, and wash hands together afterward.
🚻 Talk about potty time: Use the right words for wee and poo. Let your child know if their nappy is wet or dry and talk about what’s inside.
🚻 Use a reward system: Create a fun reward system like a sticker chart or lucky dip. Celebrate each milestone, like getting dressed or washing hands!
🚻 Read potty training books: Find picture books about potty training and enjoy them together!
🚻 Reach out for support: Talk to your health visitor or children's centre for additional advice.

15/01/2026

Meet other families with young babies and the Family Support Team in a friendly environment. During this session there will be time to play and discover more about your baby’s development as well as support your wellbeing as a new parent.

14/01/2026

Free session for Dads to be! 👨👧

An inclusive information session for new and expectant fathers to help them to connect with and understand their babies’ needs.

This is a hands-on session where your baby aged 0 – 1 year can come too!
What you can expect

• Meet other dads and learn from their experiences
• Value the important role of becoming a father
• Build confidence around hands-on baby care, bonding & attachment
• Learn about healthy relationships
• Maintain good mental health for yourself and your partner

Find a group near you today 👇
https://buff.ly/3Ux8wr3

13/01/2026

👶 Looking to weigh your baby? 💖

Our Self Weigh Stations are a great way to check your baby’s weight and get support from trained staff on various health and parenting topics.

We offer two ways to weigh your baby:
1️⃣ Book an appointment via Eventbrite (bring your ticket for bookable sessions)
2️⃣ Drop in at specific times (see our What’s On page here: https://buff.ly/3VwKtsT)

Check your baby’s progress at 16 weeks, 20 weeks, 8 months, and 12 months. If your baby is outside of these key touchpoints or you have any concerns, contact your health visitor on 0300 123 7572.

Tip: Don’t forget to bring a thin blanket or baby mat for the scales. ⚖️

For more details, visit: https://buff.ly/3PiKdet

12/01/2026

🚀 Physical Fun 🚀

Join us this week for one of our Physical Fun sessions!
Get moving and connect with other families while enjoying games and activities that support your child's physical growth and development. These sessions are perfect for kids aged 18 months to 5 years! 🧸✨

💷 Chargeable drop-in: £2.50 per family

Check out our timetable to find a session near you 👇
https://buff.ly/3Ux8wr3

11/01/2026

Healthy teeth are so important to your little ones over-all health🦷
Here are some top tips on looking after your little ones teeth:

🌟Start brushing your baby's teeth as soon as the first milk tooth breaks through (usually at around 6 months, but it can be earlier or later).
🌟Parents or carers should brush or supervise tooth brushing.
🌟Brush teeth twice daily for about 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste.
🌟Brush last thing at night before bed and on 1 other occasion.
🌟Use only a smear of toothpaste.

If you need any help or advice around your child’s oral health, please call the team on 0300 1237572

10/01/2026

SEND Chat and Play

Our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Chat and Play sessions are a great opportunity to come and meet other families going through a similar journey, in a relaxed environment.

Our SEND Champions are on hand to talk about the services we offer, signpost to different organisations or to simply act as a listening ear.

All are welcome whether your child is diagnosed or you are concerned about a possible need. We have toys out for the children or you can come by yourself.
We hope to see you soon!

Find one near you here ⬇️
https://buff.ly/3VwKtsT

10/01/2026

School applications deadline 🏫
The deadline is fast approaching for applications for children due to start at primary, junior or middle school in September 2026. The easiest way to apply for a school place is to visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/admissions and complete the online application form.

Last year, 99 per cent of parents applied this way and found the system quick, easy and secure.

The closing date for applications is 15 January 2026; it is vital that parents make their application on time.

09/01/2026

💷 Support for families facing rising costs in Hertfordshire

Did you know, Hertfordshire County Council has a dedicated webpage with resources to support local households? Their “Help to manage the cost of living” page offers practical advice on:
- Money and debt
- Energy and utility support
- Food support (food banks, holiday meals, school meal vouchers)
- Help with childcare, school uniforms and family grants
- Ways to boost income (benefits, allowances)
And much more 👨👩👧👦

To see how they can help you and your family, simply click here: https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/about-the-council/news/cost-of-living/help-to-manage-the-cost-of-living.aspx

09/01/2026

Find out if you're eligible for the community supermarkets provided by Hertfordshire County Council and Community Help Hertfordshire by using the link in the post below 🛒💚

🧡 Everyone deserves good food at a price that works for them. That’s why we and Community Help Hertfordshire are opening up access to community supermarkets, where everyday essentials cost under £1 and your first eight visits are free thanks to the Household Support Fund.

If you could use a little extra support right now, you can self‑refer and shop great‑quality food for less, with friendly guidance on other help available too.

Find out if you’re eligible and make a self‑referral today 👉 https://orlo.uk/2m90E