Welcome to the latest Best Start Family Hub newsletter!

In this edition, we’re excited to share some of the fantastic things that have been happening across our Best Start Family Hub network in Rotherham, along with activities and opportunities coming up soon.

Building Names

You might notice a small change in name this month, as were changing the names of some of our buildings.

Whilst the names may have changed, the support available for families hasn’t. You’ll still find the same friendly faces, the same trusted services, and the same commitment to supporting you and your family every step of the way.

Signs are being updated across the Borough to make it easier for families, and from now on our buildings will be known as:

Brookfield Family Hub → Best Start Family Hub - Swinton

Dalton Family and Children’s Centre → Family Hub - Dalton

The Place Family Hub → Best Start Family Hub - Clifton

Ferham Family and Children’s Centre → Family Hub - Ferham

Maltby Stepping Stones Family Hub → Best Start Family Hub - Maltby

Dinnington Family and Children’s Centre → Family Hub - Dinnington (West)

Dinnington Early Help based → Family Hub - Dinnington (East)

This is to make it easier for you to find your nearest hub and access the support and activities you need.

News

Birth registration appointments now available at Rotherham Best Start Family Hubs

Parents across Rotherham now have the option to register their baby's birth at additional sites in the borough as part of a new initiative aimed at making services more accessible for families.

Birth registration appointments are now available at Best Start Family Hub - Swinton and Best Start Family Hub - Maltby, alongside the existing service at the Register Office in Riverside House.

The new service, launched by Rotherham Council, offers parents greater choice over where they complete the legal registration process, while also helping them connect with support services available through Rotherham Family Hubs and within their local community from the earliest stages of their child’s life.

Facebook Changes are Coming

We're making it easier for you to stay connected with Family Hubs services across Rotherham.

Following feedback from parents and carers, we are bringing all current social media pages together in one place by only having one Family Hubs Rotherham Facebook page.

Our one Facebook page will provide:

• Information about services and support 

• Updates on activities, groups, and events across the borough

• Parenting support and advice

• News about local opportunities for children, young people, and families

• Information about holiday activities and community programmes

By bringing everything together in one place families can access information about what's happening across all Family Hubs. Families can access any of the groups and activities taking place, regardless of where they live in Rotherham.

If you currently follow one of our local Early Help Outreach, Family Hubs, or Children's Centre Facebook pages, we encourage you to follow the new Rotherham Family Hubs Facebook page to continue receiving updates.

More updates about when we will be moving to one page can be found on our current Facebook pages and in our next newsletter.

Thank you to everyone who has given feedback and helped shape this change. We look forward to continuing to connect with families through our new, borough-wide page.

Something for all ages

Whether it’s a Stay and Play themed around  the book “What the Ladybird Heard” for younger children or it’s taking young people walking with Alpacas there’s always something different on offer at Rotherham Family Hubs.

My Year of Reading - What the Ladybird Heard

Advice for Parents

Beware of Halloween costume hazards

As Halloween approaches, excitement builds for parties, trick-or-treating, and spooky celebrations. While dressing up is a big part of the fun, it's important to remember that some fancy dress costumes and accessories can present unexpected safety risks.

Common Halloween Costume Dangers

Fire Risks

Many costumes are made from synthetic materials that can ignite quickly if exposed to naked flames, candles, fireworks, bonfires, or even decorative lights. Always check that costumes carry appropriate safety labels and keep children well away from open flames.

Trips and Falls

Long capes, oversized clothing, and costumes that drag on the ground can increase the risk of tripping. Costumes should fit properly and allow children to move safely when walking between houses or attending events.

Reduced Visibility

Masks can restrict vision and make it difficult to see obstacles, steps, roads, or approaching vehicles. Consider using face paint instead of masks where possible, or ensure eye openings provide a clear field of vision.

Choking Hazards

Small decorative items such as buttons, beads, gems, and detachable accessories can become choking hazards for younger children. Check costumes regularly for loose parts and supervise young children closely.

Allergic Reactions

Face paints, make-up, fake blood, and special-effects products can sometimes cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Test products on a small area of skin before use and follow manufacturer instructions carefully.

Traffic Safety

Many Halloween activities take place after dark. Dark-coloured costumes can make children difficult to see. Increase visibility by:

• Choosing bright or reflective costumes

• Adding reflective tape to costumes and bags

• Carrying glow sticks or torches

• Staying on well-lit routes

Tips for a Safe Halloween

✔ Buy costumes from reputable retailers.

✔ Check costumes and accessories for safety labels.

✔ Ensure costumes fit properly and do not create trip hazards.

✔ Use battery-operated lights rather than candles in pumpkins and decorations.

✔ Supervise children when using face paints, props, or accessories.

✔ Make sure children know road safety rules when trick-or-treating.

Enjoy Halloween Safely

Halloween should be a fun and memorable occasion for everyone. By taking a few simple precautions when choosing and wearing fancy dress costumes, families can reduce risks and focus on enjoying the celebrations safely.

Remember: The best costume is one that is both spooky and safe! 

Kinship Care Week 2026: Celebrating the Difference Kinship Carers Make

Did you know that more than 141,000 children across England and Wales are being raised in kinship care by relatives and friends? Kinship carers step in when parents are unable to care for their children, providing love, stability and security during some of the most challenging times in a child's life.

Kinship Care Week 2026, taking place from 5-11 October, is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the incredible contribution of grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, family friends and other loved ones who open their homes and hearts to children who need them most.

At Family Hubs, we recognise that kinship carers can face unique challenges, including navigating education, health, financial support and family relationships. We are committed to ensuring that kinship families can access information, advice and support when they need it.

If you are a kinship carer, or know someone who is, Family Hubs can help connect you to local services, support networks and advice. You are not alone, and support is available.

Thank you to all kinship carers for the care, commitment and love you provide every day. Your contribution changes lives.

Discover DadPad: The Pocket Guide Every New Dad Needs

Becoming a dad is one of the most exciting journeys you'll ever take. It's also one of the biggest life changes you'll experience. From preparing for birth to coping with sleepless nights and understanding your baby's needs, there can be a lot to take in.

That's where DadPad can help.

What is DadPad?

DadPad is a free resource created specifically for dads, partners and co-parents. Packed with practical advice, videos and easy-to-access information, it provides support from pregnancy through to the early years of your child's life.

Whether you're changing your first nappy, supporting your partner after birth, or trying to understand why your baby won't sleep, DadPad is there to help.

Why Dads Need Support Too

New fathers can experience a range of emotions during pregnancy and after their baby arrives. Alongside feelings of joy and excitement, many dads also experience stress, anxiety, uncertainty and exhaustion.

Research shows that engaged and confident fathers can have a significant positive impact on children's development, wellbeing and future outcomes. Looking after dads and supporting them to be actively involved benefits the whole family.

What You'll Find on DadPad

DadPad offers practical information on:

• Pregnancy and preparing for birth

• Supporting your partner

• Labour and delivery

• Feeding your baby

• Bonding and attachment

• Baby care and child development

• Looking after your own wellbeing

• Mental health support

• Local services and support networks

The information is easy to understand, accessible and designed specifically with dads in mind.

Support in Your Pocket

One of the great things about DadPad is that support is available whenever you need it. Whether it's 3pm or 3am, you can access trusted information straight from your phone.

The app includes videos, tips and signposting to local services, helping dads feel informed, confident and connected.

Building Stronger Families Together

At our Family Hubs, we recognise the important role fathers and male caregivers play in children's lives. We are committed to ensuring dads feel welcomed, included and supported throughout their parenting journey.

DadPad is one of the many ways we're helping to make sure dads have access to the information and support they need from day one.

Download DadPad Today

If you're expecting a baby, have recently become a parent, or are supporting someone through pregnancy and parenthood, DadPad is for you.

Download the DadPad app and start exploring practical advice, helpful resources and support designed by dads, for dads.

Because confident dads help children thrive.

For more information, speak to your local Family Hub or ask your Midwife, Health Visitor or Family Support Practitioner about DadPad. You can also find the link to download the app on the dads section of our Family Hub website.

How to Join the Library on Your Phone

1. Go online on your phone.

2. Go to www.rotherham.gov.uk/libraries.

3. On the landing page, select View the online library.

4. Tap the three dots in the top corner.

5. Select Log in.

1. If you are not yet a member, this is where you register.

6. If you already have a card, log in with your library card number and PIN.

7. If you’ve forgotten your PIN, reset it – it will be emailed to you.

8. New joiners will get a joining email – the PIN is the one you chose on the form.

9. On the joining form, pick your local library and choose a PIN.

10. Agree to the terms and Register.

11. The next page shows your membership number immediately – you don’t need to wait for the email.

How to download borrow box

Groups

Citizens Advice Support Comes to Best Start Family Hubs

Little Monster Spectacular at Saturday Club

Upcoming Events

Children's Half Term Craft Activity at Dinnington Library

Join us this October Half Term to have some monster good fun!

Decorate your own Monster Money Box & create a Magnet for you to take home!

Suitable for ages 5 to11

Places are limited. Please contact the Library on 01709334426.

Date: Tuesday 27 October

Location: Dinnington Library and Neighbourhood Hub

Cost: Free

Time: 10am to 11:30am

Celebrate Halloween and Día de los Muertos at Mowbray Gardens Library

Join us for a special Story Stop session where we'll explore the colourful traditions of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and Halloween.

Get creative by designing and decorating your own sugar skull inspired craft to take home.

Suitable for families. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

No booking required, just drop in and join the fun!

Date: Saturday 31 October.

Location: Mowbray Gardens Library and Neighbourhood Hub

Cost: Free

Time: 11am  to 12pm

Thank you for reading. Further information about Family Hubs can be found on our website.