Sunderland Information Point

09/04/2026

🎥 Welcome to the Sunderland Communicates Together Video Hub!

A collection of short, practical videos designed to help families, carers and professionals support children’s communication, interaction and bonding.

From sensory play and storytelling to Makaton signing and everyday routines, each video is packed with simple ideas to bring out skills in children you didn’t know were possible.

Featuring our very own Best Start Family Hubs team, these activities are:
✅ Easy to try at home
✅ Fun for all ages
✅ Great for building confidence and connection

Explore the hub and start your journey today: https://orlo.uk/aCWJ0

25/03/2026

We’re sharing these free Mental Health Webinars for parents and carers, delivered by Healthy Heads.

Topics include supporting language and communication, anxiety, behaviour and school transitions-offering practical tips and support.

📅 See the poster below for dates and how to join.

23/03/2026

Our Healthy Minds (South Tyneside) and Healthy Heads (Sunderland) Mental Health Support Teams are hosting their next free parent/carer webinar on Tuesday 24th March at 6pm.

The focus of this webinar will be 'Managing Difficult Behaviours' and is aimed at parents/carers who want some information on supporting their children and young people who are displaying challenging or difficult behaviours.

👉 Join the webinar using this link: https://bit.ly/3NskTWv

🔒 Please note: For privacy and safeguarding reasons (in line with GDPR), we ask that parents/carers join as guests, keep microphones and cameras off, and do not use the chat function during the session.

20/03/2026

11/03/2026

New for Parent Carers 🧡 Couch to 5K 📢Limited spaces available
Beginner Running Programme

Ready to feel fitter, healthier and more confident? Our Couch to 5K programme is starting soon and places are filling quickly!

📅 21st April – 14th July
⏰ 10am – 12 noon

👟 Led by Michael McNally, no previous running experience needed.

💷 £25 deposit 🙌 fully refunded if you attend all sessions
🎟 Ticket covers all 12 sessions

⚠️ Limited spaces available 📢don’t miss out! Book your place today. https://bookwhen.com/gracehouse

For more info please contact Wendy:
WH@gracehouse.co.uk
0191 435 2088

10/03/2026

Why not take time to yourself this Friday 13th from 10am and attend our parent carer coffee morning our lovely volunteers will be on hand to chat to and offer any advice we can help with or signpost you to people who can help. We will also have a listening session with Carly Riley DCO and healthy heads in attendance for more information on what health heads do please read below:

The healthy heads team are a mental health team who work in schools across the city of Sunderland.

They are called education mental health practitioners (EMHPs) and are specially trained to work with children and young people to deliver a range of tools to: • develop a healthy culture around emotional wellbeing • raise awareness of mental health • build emotional resilience across whole class or whole school.

To help children to: • develop positive emotional wellbeing • build emotional resilience and strength • cope with worries and low mood.

05/03/2026

🌟 Aged 16–25 in Sunderland? We want to hear from YOU! 🌟

We’re running relaxed, friendly feedback sessions to understand what’s stopping young people from getting into work, education, or training — and how services can better support you.

🗓 Choose a session:
• Monday 9th March, 4:30–6:30pm
• Saturday 21st March, 11am–1pm
📍 Betsy Jenny Café, 39 Bridge Street, Sunderland, SR1 1TQ
♿ Access needs welcomed — just let us know!

💬 What’s in it for you?
• Your ideas and experiences valued
• Food & drinks provided
• Travel expenses reimbursed
• £10 gift voucher as a thank you

🎨 No pressure to talk in front of everyone — you can share your thoughts however you feel comfortable (drawing, writing, or speaking).

👉 Sign up: Scan the QR code on the poster or following the link: https://forms.office.com/e/bs8XKzeHyW

03/03/2026

Does your child struggle with brushing their teeth?

We know, as parent carers, that what seems like such a small part of the daily routine can have a huge impact on our SEND child.

So we thought - who better to come along to chat to parents than our Oral Health team?

They'll be at the Rainbow Family Hub on the 6th March 10:00am - 11:30am to give out advice and answers any questions you might have.

Sign up using this link: https://www.choicewellbeingservice.org/event-details-registration/dental-advice-and-support

03/03/2026

Hey music lovers! We're excited to bring a brand new musical social club for young people with SEND to Sunderland. Learn to play instruments, dive into music production and connect with other music fans.

📅Every Wednesday from 11th March
🕔5-7pm
📍 WEAR, 7-8 Vine Place, Sunderland, SR1 3NE

Come and Join us!

Get in touch
📱 07939433919
📨 youth-hub@autismable.com

26/02/2026

23/02/2026

🚲 Learn to Ride – 1-2-1 Cycling Training 🚲

Learning to ride a bike, accessible cycle or building confidence? Our 1-2-1 Learn to Ride sessions provide personalised support in a calm, safe and traffic-free environment.

These sessions are perfect for:
✅ Children or adults learning to ride for the first time
✅ Riders who only pedal backwards
✅ Riders with balance or coordination difficulties
✅ Riders lacking confidence or returning to cycling
✅ Disabled riders who may benefit from accessible cycles
✅ Anyone wanting extra support at their own pace

Our experienced British Cycling Coach Sara will work with you to build skills, confidence and independence while making cycling fun and achievable.

💛 These sessions are FREE

📍 Tithe Barn, Houghton Rectory Park, DH4 4BB

⚠️ Booking is essential – limited spaces available

🔗 Timetable, booking and membership forms:
https://linktr.ee/gatewaywheelers

📧 sara@gatewaywheelers.org.uk
📞 07584 737449

Come along and start your cycling journey with Gateway Wheelers!

23/02/2026

It's February Half Term week in Sunderland!
Looking for fun ways to keep the kids entertained this half term? Sunderland is packed with free, family‑friendly activities to spark imaginations, burn off energy, and make some brilliant memories.
📚 Sunderland Libraries
From creative workshops to magical storytimes, our libraries are buzzing with half‑term fun — the perfect place to explore, learn and play (and all nice and warm too!).
🎨 Creative Sessions & Crafting
Let little hands get messy with crafts, colouring, and make‑and‑take activities happening across the city.
⚔️ Adventures & Activities
Dive into fantasy worlds, join interactive sessions, and try something new for 2026’s half‑term break.
🌳 Get Out & About
Parks, play areas, and outdoor trails are on your doorstep and ideal for a low‑cost day out.
Whether you're planning a full family adventure or just popping in for a quick hour of fun, there’s something for everyone this February Half Term in Sunderland.
What will you explore first? 👉 https://orlo.uk/63sK0