Virtual Family Hub
Doncaster Family Hubs are the ‘go to’ place, for families, in their local communities. We provide a wide range of useful and helpful support, services and information. Everyone is welcome including children of all ages; from conception, through childhood, adolescence and even older if your child has a special need.
Whilst we always try to reach out and connect with as many of you as we can, we understand that it may not always be possible for everyone to be able to get to us.
For those of you that do have difficulty in getting to us, the Virtual Family Hub is the perfect place for you! Designed to look just like it does in a Family Hub and provide most of the same services, just virtually!
Below are some of the ways you can keep in touch and connect with us via the Virtual Family Hub and we cannot wait to hear from you soon.
Live Chat with a Team Member
In our Family Hub buildings, team members are on hand at reception and in sessions to provide a warm welcome. You can use the live chat function available by clicking the 'Chat Online' button at the bottom of this page to get in touch with a team member straightaway during our opening hours.
All our staff are qualified in a wide range of subjects and have lots of the knowledge about the support services that are available across Doncaster and beyond, we will know someone or somewhere that can help. This could be to get more information about our services, to answer your family questions or to reach out to if you are feeling lonely or struggling in some way.
Become a Member
The best way for us to keep in touch with you is for you to become a Family Hub member, and it's free to join us! Follow the link below to complete a membership form.
Breastfeeding Support
Family Hubs are here to help with any breastfeeding support or questions you may have and our trained breastfeeding champions are available for you to talk to, you can do this by accessing chat online function. Support is also available via our virtual First Friends, Growing Friends and Breast Start sessions, which are jointly delivered alongside our partners in health. We can also direct you to the other support services that are available across Doncaster including:
- Infant Feeding Specialists
- Health Practitioners
- Peer Support – Volunteer mums who have breastfed their babies and have completed training in order to offer their support to other mums.
- Loan of a breast pump
- We Support Our Mums – Local venues that are supportive of breastfeeding mums so that you can feel confident that you will be made to feel welcome.
What's On?
Please see the below timetable for our virtual offer; there is something new every day to keep you entertained!
Whether it be the interactive sessions that are recorded each week by Family Hub staff for you to watch and join in with or the ‘virtual groups’ which include other families and staff who are on hand to provide any support and advice needed. Call your local hub or give us a message on the live chat function for more information about any of our virtual groups.
Monday
Central Family Hubs - Virtual Sing and Shake - 10:00 - 10:30am
Ideas to support your child (0-5 years) through music, movement and a range of activities which can be done in the family home encouraging early language and communication development and contribute to school readiness. Call your local Family Hub or give us a message on the live chat function at the bottom of the page for more information.
East Family Hubs - Virtual Mini Movers 10:00-11:00am
Join our Early Years Development Team for Virtual Mini Movers. Each session will explore different types of messy play, song & dance and sensory play. These sessions will run in six-week blocks. If you are interested in attending or would like any further information then please call Armthorpe Family Hub on 01302 736760.
Join our Early Years Development Workers and Community Nursery Nurses in the Family Hubs for our Virtual First Friends sessions. Within these sessions we will be available for any health support needed and the opportunity for families to share their experiences and learn about their baby's development. To join please message Doncaster Health Visitors Facebook page or call Doncaster Health Visiting Team on 01302 566766.
East Family Hubs - Virtual Bumps to Babies - 1:00 - 2:00pm
Our ‘Bumps to Babies’ group is for those of you awaiting a new addition to your family; a warm and welcoming session where you can access advice or support regarding your pregnancy and well-being as well as the opportunity to meet other expectant mums to talk, listen and share experiences. The session is held virtually across three weeks with the final session dedicated to a baby shower to celebrate you and your new arrival. These sessions are invitation only. If you are interested in attending or would like any further information then please call Moorends Family Hub on 01302 737470.
Click here and head over to the Bentley Family Hub Facebook page for Question Time at 2:00PM.
Tuesday
Carcroft Virtual First Friends - 9:30 - 10:30am
Join our Early Years Development Workers and Community Nursery Nurses in the Family Hubs for our Virtual First Friends sessions. Within these sessions we will be available for any health support needed and the opportunity for families to share their experiences and learn about their baby's development. To join please message Doncaster Health Visitors Facebook page or call Doncaster Health Visiting Team on 01302 566766.
East Family Hubs Virtual First Friends - 10:00 - 11:00am
Join our East Team Early Years Development Workers and Community Nursery Nurses in the Family Hubs for our Virtual First Friends sessions. Within these sessions we will be available for any health support needed and the opportunity for families to share their experiences and learn about their baby's development. To join please message Doncaster Health Visitors Facebook page or call Doncaster Health Visiting Team on 01302 566766.
Central Family Hubs - Virtual Book Chatter, Book Play - 10:30 - 11:00am
Book Chatter Book Play is a session for children aged 0 – 5 years and is aimed at supporting your child with Communication and Language. We will read stories, share rhymes and have fun activities. Resources will be delivered after you have booked your place and will run for 4 weeks. Call your local hub or give us a message on the live chat function for more information about any of our virtual groups.
Parenting Children: Virtual Parenting Session - 2:00 - 3:00pm - Parenting is tough! It’s even harder during COVID-19 If you would like to join the virtual group for top tips, support or even just a listening ear, please email FamilyHubManagementTeam@doncaster.gov.uk or ring 01302 737350 to arrange an invite to the session via Microsoft Teams (Limited to 8 parents per session).
Adwick Virtual First Friends - 1:00 - 2:00pm
Join our Early Years Development Workers and Community Nursery Nurses in the Family Hubs for our Virtual First Friends sessions. Within these sessions we will be available for any health support needed and the opportunity for families to share their experiences and learn about their baby's development. To join please message Doncaster Health Visitors Facebook page or call Doncaster Health Visiting Team on 01302 566766.
Central Area Virtual First Friends - 1:00 - 2:00pm
Join our Central Team Early Years Development Workers and Community Nursery Nurses in the Family Hubs for our Virtual First Friends sessions. Within these sessions we will be available for any health support needed and the opportunity for families to share their experiences and learn about their baby's development. To join please message Doncaster Health Visitors Facebook page or call Doncaster Health Visiting Team on 01302 566766.
Wednesday
East Family Hubs Virtual First Friends - 10:00 - 11:00am
Join our East Team Early Years Development Workers and Community Nursery Nurses in the Family Hubs for our Virtual First Friends sessions. Within these sessions we will be available for any health support needed and the opportunity for families to share their experiences and learn about their baby's development. To join please message Doncaster Health Visitors Facebook page or call Doncaster Health Visiting Team on 01302 566766.
Mexborough Virtual First Friends - 10:00 - 11:00am
Join our Early Years Development Workers and Community Nursery Nurses in the Family Hubs for our Virtual First Friends sessions. Within these sessions we will be available for any health support needed and the opportunity for families to share their experiences and learn about their baby's development. To join please message Doncaster Health Visitors Facebook page or call Doncaster Health Visiting Team on 01302 566766.
Rossington Virtual First Friends - 10:00 - 11:00am
Join our Early Years Development Workers and Community Nursery Nurses in the Family Hubs for our Virtual First Friends sessions. Within these sessions we will be available for any health support needed and the opportunity for families to share their experiences and learn about their baby's development. To join please message Doncaster Health Visitors Facebook page or call Doncaster Health Visiting Team on 01302 566766.
East Family Hubs - Virtual Bumps to Babies - 1:00 - 2:00pm
Our ‘Bumps to Babies’ group is for those of you awaiting a new addition to your family; a warm and welcoming session where you can access advice or support regarding your pregnancy and well-being as well as the opportunity to meet other expectant mums to talk, listen and share experiences. The session is held virtually across three weeks with the final session dedicated to a baby shower to celebrate you and your new arrival. These sessions are invitation only. If you are interested in attending or would like any further information then please call Moorends Family Hub on 01302 737470.
Parenting Teenagers: Virtual Parenting Session - 2:00 - 3:00pm - Parenting is tough! It’s even harder during COVID-19! If you would like to join the virtual group for top tips, support or even just a listening ear, please email FamilyHubManagementTeam@doncaster.gov.uk or ring 01302 737350 to arrange an invite to the session via Microsoft Teams (Limited to 8 parents per session).
Thursday
Join our Early Years Development Workers and Community Nursery Nurses in the Family Hubs for our Virtual First Friends sessions. Within these sessions we will be available for any health support needed and the opportunity for families to share their experiences and learn about their baby's development. To join please message Doncaster Health Visitors Facebook page or call Doncaster Health Visiting Team on 01302 566766.
Let's Share A Story - 11:00am - head over to the Bentley Family Hub facebook page and see what story we're sharing today!
Central Family Hubs - Virtual Messy Play 11:00 - 11:30am
Once booked on you will receive a phone call to arrange for us to drop off an activity pack. Activities will include Playdough, salt dough, painting hands and feet plus much more! Call your local hub or give us a message on the live chat function for more information about any of our virtual groups.
Askern Virtual First Friends – 1:00-2:00pm
Join our Early Years Development Workers and Community Nursery Nurses in the Family Hubs for our Virtual First Friends sessions. Within these sessions we will be available for any health support needed and the opportunity for families to share their experiences and learn about their baby's development. To join please message Doncaster Health Visitors Facebook page or call Doncaster Health Visiting Team on 01302 566766.
East Family Hubs Virtual First Friends - 1:00-2:00pm
Join our East Team Early Years Development Workers and Community Nursery Nurses in the Family Hubs for our Virtual First Friends sessions. Within these sessions we will be available for any health support needed and the opportunity for families to share their experiences and learn about their baby's development. To join please message Doncaster Health Visitors Facebook page or call Doncaster Health Visiting Team on 01302 566766.
Central Family Hubs - Virtual Toddle on to Nursery 1:30 - 2:00pm
For children aged 2-3 years. Learning and exploring through a range of play and activities that support your child for school/nursery. Developing lifelong skills to encourage independence and confidence. Call your local hub or give us a message on the live chat function for more information about any of our virtual groups.
Friday
East Family Hubs - Virtual Book Chatter Book Play - 10:00 - 11:00am
Book Chatter, Book Play is an excellent way to encourage early language, communication and literacy development. The session will support children’s learning through music, singing and story time with various activities that can be easily completed virtually from home. Each family will be provided with resources to use during these story-telling sessions. Call your local hub or give us a message on the live chat function for more information about any of our virtual groups.
Central Family Hubs - Virtual Nature Explorers 1:30 - 2:00pm
An interactive session exploring the outdoors at home. This session includes a range of different nature activities, including nature hunts, and leaf mark making. This virtual session is for children aged 0-5 years. Call local Family Hub or give us a message on the live chat function at the bottom of the page for more information about any of our virtual groups.
Bentley Virtual First Friends - 1:30 - 2:30pm
Join our Early Years Development Workers and Community Nursery Nurses in the Family Hubs for our Virtual First Friends sessions. Within these sessions we will be available for any health support needed and the opportunity for families to share their experiences and learn about their baby's development. To join please message Doncaster Health Visitors Facebook page or call Doncaster Health Visiting Team on 01302 566766.
Social Media
Family Hubs use social media platforms to share lots of interesting and useful content, with daily updates.
Each Family Hub in Doncaster has their own Facebook page. Search for the Family Hub you require and hit the follow button, or follow the links below.
North Area Hubs - Bentley Family Hub, Adwick Family Hub, Askern Family Hub
South Area Hubs - Denaby & Conisbrough Family Hub, Rossington Family Hub, Mexborough Family Hub
East Area Hubs - Stainforth Family Hub, Moorends Family Hub, Armthorpe Family Hub
Central Area Hubs - Central Family Hub, Wheatley Family Hub, Balby Family Hub
Doncaster Family Hubs also have an Instagram page, search for Doncaster Family Hubs and hit the follow button.
Virtual Introduction to 2 Year Funding
Part of the role of the Doncaster Family Hubs is to provide support to families accessing two-year-old funding. We are inviting parents/carers to our Virtual sessions around the two-year-old funding offer. This will give you the opportunity to gain more information and ask any questions you might have.
The Family Hubs have been working closely with Early Years settings to ensure that we have the appropriate information for you around how these settings are moving forward in the current situation to ensure safe and fun learning experiences for your children. If you would like any more information on the 2-year-old funding offer, please contact your local Family Hub.
Relationship Matters
It’s normal for families to argue at home (especially when we’ve hardly left the house for months!). But if they are becoming a problem then help is at hand.A new website called Relationship Matters is here for you and your family if you think you’re struggling.
Whether couples are together or separated, disagreements are completely normal but evidence shows that regular conflict can have a big impact on children. The website is full of useful advice and how you can access support. It can help you see how your behaviour might be making things worse in your home. Stay calm and work it out.
Visit the website: www.relationshipmatters.or
Virtual Parenting Sessions
Parenting is tough! It’s even harder during COVID-19! If you would like to join the virtual group for top tips, support or even just a listening ear, please email FamilyHubManagementTeam@doncaster.gov.uk or ring 01302 737350 to arrange an invite to the session via Microsoft Teams (Limited to 8 parents per session).
- Parenting Children: Virtual Parenting Session - Tuesdays 2:00 - 3:00pm
- Parenting Teenagers: Virtual Parenting Session - Wednesdays 2:00 - 3:00pm
Online Courses
Doncaster Council and other partners have commissioned a new online parenting programme for all parents, carers and grandparents in Doncaster.
The programme is completely free and can be completed on any computer or mobile device with internet access. The programme can be accessed at any time, day or night, to fit around your busy life.
Online Solihull Approach
In Doncaster we have a Solihull Approach antenatal online course ‘Understanding pregnancy, labour, birth and your baby’, an online postnatal course ‘Understanding your baby’ and a course for parents of children aged 6 months to 19 years ‘Understanding your child’.
The online course for parents ‘Understanding your child’ was the first to be awarded the CANparent Quality Mark by the Government. It is available in several languages.
We have converted the material in our face to face groups into online courses, parents/carers can work through the online modules at their leisure from any device.
This has several advantages:
- when a mother or father is attending a group but their partner is unable to attend, their partner can access the same material online
- it increases accessibility for parents in remote areas
- it increases accessibility for men, who traditionally tend not to attend groups
- it provides an alternative for parents who do not want to attend a group
- it increases accessibility for grandparents or other carers who may not get a place on a group
- it has the potential to be used imaginatively to increase population access to evidence-based material that has been shown to impact positively on the parent/child relationship with all the advantages that that will bring across the lifespan
- it can be used as part of an early intervention or prevention strategy
- ‘Understanding your child’ course for parents also available in Urdu
Understanding your child with additional needs
This online course is for parents, relatives and friends of children who may have a physical or learning disability or who may have autistic traits.
This course is in 2 sections:
- Level 1 lays the foundation for understanding your child.
- Level 2 looks at some particular aspects of parenting: sleeping and anger management, together with more about how we interact with each other. Understanding this can make it easier to work with your child's behaviour as well as supporting their development.
Once Level 1 is completed you can progress onto Level 2 if you'd like to. A certificate can be printed off at the end of each level.
Families in Doncaster can access this course free online at www.inourplace.co.uk with the code: STGEORGE
Adult, Family and Community Learning
The Adult, Family and Community Learning Service (AFCL) provides local learning activities for adults and families in their community. Funded by the Education, Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), the service operates across the borough encouraging all sectors of the community to participate in local learning activities of their choice. For more information about courses and how to sign up, click the button below.
Adult, Family and Community Learning
Adult, Family and Community Learning are now delivering a range of virtual workshops for you and your family to attend. You can either take part as a family with your child(ren) or on your own for your own health & well-being. To sign up, click here to follow the link to the AFCL Facebook Page and follow the instructions there. Once signed up you will be emailed the resources you need to take part.
Adult Learning at the East Family Hubs
East Family Hubs are bringing back Adult Learning classes from September! All courses are free of charge and childcare can be provided dependent upon eligibility.
Courses available are: Functional Skills Mathematics and Functional Skills English.
Functional Skills are recognised qualifications and a great opportunity if you didn’t achieve the GCSEs you wanted when you were younger. On completion of the course you will be awarded with a fully recognised certificate, which can help support a job search or a return to work, or just for your own personal achievement.
If you are interested in attending a course, please send us a direct message, by clicking the buttons below, with your name, number, email address and course preferences or give us a call on 01302 734048 and we can have a quick chat.
Parent Journeys
Everybody will have their own reasons for coming to a Family Hub and everyone will experience things in their own unique way. Below we have some testimonials from parents who have used the Family Hub and how it has impacted their lives.
Ben
In 2017, I started out as a volunteer in my local Family Hub. I started going to the Family Hub as a parent with my first-born child. My partner and I struggled, as it was our first child, we needed a little guidance. The staff at the Family Hub really helped us through the hard times and I looked up to them. I thought to myself I want to give something back to the Family Hubs, for all the hard work they have put into my family, so I started as a Parent Champion. I loved doing this and wanted to do more, after a few months I became a volunteer.
From this, I gained a level 2 in childcare. I then applied for an Early Years Development Worker job covering maternity in the East area. I got the job and since then have come so far.
I have been on so much training which has helped me develop and feel more confident in myself and this is down to the support I get in my role.
I now have two permanent days in my role. I am so lucky to be a part of an amazing place that supports both parents and children. I am so passionate about what I do and I am proof that if you work hard you can get anywhere you want.
Danielle
I started volunteering and became a Parent Champion in September 2019. I volunteered in 'First Friends' which is from birth to crawling. I have also covered a few other groups too. I absolutely love it! I don't know why I didn't do it sooner.
I have been on a few training courses which have helped me be able to advise parents in a professional manner and give the correct information.
I love communicating with parents and being someone they feel they can talk to. As a Parent Champion, I love telling parents what the Family Hubs are all about, what they can offer and just how great they really are! I have been fully supported on my journey so far and 100% feel part of the team!
Kerry
Hi, my name is Kerry Hughes I am an Early Years Development Worker for the East Family Hubs.
I started coming to the Family Hub when I had my oldest child. I was a young mum and it felt really daunting at first coming to sessions but I soon settled in and got to know other mums in the community.
When I was pregnant with my third son me and my husband experienced difficult times due to housing issues and the Family Hub was there to provide support. We got back on our feet and I continued to access sessions at the Family Hub when my son was born.
With my third son, we were entitled to 2 year funding, which I wasn’t keen on using until an Early Years Worker from the Family Hub told me the benefits of using this service. My child’s development improved so much having the early provision and also resulted in me volunteering at the Family Hub whilst he was in nursery.
I started volunteering by running a very successful Parent Voice session. This is where parents would have their say about the Family Hub service. Then I became a Parent Champion; where I helped other families access the Family Hub by using my own positive experiences.
The more I volunteered at the Family Hub I realised I had a passion for helping people through the parenting experiences in the community. I then did a work placement at the Family Hub whilst gaining a NVQ Level 3 diploma in children and young people.
By getting this qualification and gaining experience through volunteering I was successful in becoming employed by the East Family Hub. I never thought I would get to the position where I am today, but this shows that anyone can achieve their goal, all they need is the drive and passion.
Lisa
At the time I was completely new to the area and didn't know anyone. I had also stopped working so was struggling with the fact other than being a mum I didn't have any other purpose. I felt like I had very low confidence and was very anxious.
Becoming a volunteer helped me get back into feeling like I was doing something for my self and I was able to help other people by doing so.
By being a parent champion I was able to attend some training courses which helped me learn new things and I was able to then go into groups and help support other parents which is something I love to do. Being a parent champion has given me more confidence and allowed me to still feel like I am working whilst raising my daughter. The family hub staff and other parent champions are all so supportive and it's nice to have that network of people to go to when i have a problem.
I also volunteer in the first friends group at Stainforth Family Hub which I have loved. As a new parent in a new area, I know how daunting it is going to a new group so I love being able to share my experiences and make parents feel more comfortable at groups.
I am hoping that once things return to normal I will be able to do more volunteering and training and I am hoping to eventually go to college so I can transition back into full time working. Being a volunteer has meant that I will be able to do this easier.
I would strongly recommend that anyone try volunteering as it really gives you strong sense of purpose and you will feel very proud of what you can achieve.
Finding Family Hubs
We hope to be able to invite you back to our buildings soon. For those of you who haven't been to one of our Family Hubs before, follow the link below to find out more. Click the button for locations, contact information and opening hours for all the Family Hubs across Doncaster.