Welcome to Crawley Early Help
Programme of activities and services for families, children and young people
January – April 2020
Welcome to the Crawley Early Help Programme. As part of the West Sussex County Council Early Help offer this programme provides information on services for families, children and young people aged 0-19 (25 with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)).
We have a number of buildings, including Children and Family Centres and youth provision, providing information, advice and guidance (during opening hours). Ask about a range of subjects that support the health and wellbeing of children, young people and families. During opening hours, some centres have public access computers available for you to use as well as drop-in and play. Please speak to a member of staff to find out more.
To ensure that services are meeting the needs of children, young people and families each area has a Partnership Advisory Board. We are keen to hear from any parents who would like to participate or have comments or feedback for us. If you would like to get involved why not speak to a member of staff.
If you are registered with us or would like to be registered please visit your local Children and Family Centre. We also want to hear from you to help keep our information up to date. So if you have moved house, had a baby, are pregnant, changed your mobile number or email address then please let us know. This helps us keep you informed of services and information that are relevant to you.
Why not visit our Facebook page for regular updates, activities and events. Go to: www.facebook.com/CrawleyAreaCFC
Early Years
Discover Baby is a fun, relaxed group for parents/carers of babies from 0 to 12 months old. It is a chance to make new friends, access information, advice and guidance, or to share experiences/ideas/tips on parenthood. This is an 11 week programme which you can drop-in to at any point. Subjects include physical development and tummy time, understanding childhood illnesses, responding to your baby, understanding your baby’s sleep and play.
Family Assist* is an information portal aiming to support families across West Sussex during pregnancy, birth and throughout the life of their child. Some of the benefits include:
• information relevant to the stage of pregnancy, or age of your child delivered directly to your email box, • up to date accurate information written by local Midwives, Health Visitors and early years professionals, • the ability to invite family and friends to share in your journey and receive the same information as you, • an ‘ask a question’ facility for when you can’t find what you’re looking for.
To sign up, speak to your Midwife or Health Visitor or alternatively visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/familyassist.
*Please note: Anyone in West Sussex with a child under the age of 3 can register, however some information relating to hospital care/services is specific to Western Sussex Hospitals. If you are receiving maternity care from another hospital, please check with your midwife about any possible variations in the care/services they provide.
Family Information Service (FIS) operates countywide providing information on Ofsted registered childcare, paying for childcare (including Free Entitlement funding), family activities and support services. They can also provide additional help and support if you are struggling to find childcare. Speak to a member of staff or contact the FIS on: www.westsussex.gov.uk/fis, www.facebook.com/FISWestSussex, [email protected] or call 01243 777807.
Five to Thrive has been designed to promote positive behaviours that helps build baby brains and develop loving attachments. All our activities for children under 5 are planned using this approach. Find out more at www.westsussex.gov.uk/fivetothrive.
Free Entitlement is Government funding for free childcare for all eligible 2, 3 and 4 year old children. Research shows that children who attend a high quality childcare setting enhance their all-round development alongside the activities you do at home. Children can experience new activities and parents may be able to return to work. To find out more you can speak to a member of staff or visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/freechildcare.
Healthy Child Clinics are open access/drop-in clinics where parents/carers can talk to Health Visitors about any concerns you have. You can also weigh your baby/child during this time. The Health Visitors will advise at what age it is recommended to do this. To ensure you are seen by a Health Visitor please arrive at least 15 minutes before the end of the session.
MILK! is a drop-in breastfeeding support group. Get together with other mums in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. If you are pregnant and would like information regarding breastfeeding, please pop by.
Play and Learn Together are weekly play sessions for you and your child. It is an opportunity for parents to play with their children whilst gaining an understanding of what skills your child is learning as they play.
Play and Learn Plus is a friendly session for children under 5 years of age with additional needs, who would benefit from play in a small group. The session provides the chance for your child to access sensory areas and sensory toys. Sessions are also an opportunity for you to meet other parent carers. All sessions are wheelchair accessible and some also have hearing loops.
Parents
Break 4 Change is a programme to support parents/carers and young people in building healthy relationships. The programme aims to help the family break patterns where a young person in the home is: controlling the home environment; being violent or aggressive towards the parent; putting the parent down; or making threats. Parents and young people must be willing to make changes in how they communicate. Contact the service by emailing [email protected].
Feeling safe in your relationship? If you feel unsafe in your relationship there is a lot of support available. Speak to a member of staff or go to www.westsussex.gov.uk/domesticabuse.
Freedom programme is a free, 12 week rolling programme open to any woman who wants to learn more about the reality of domestic abuse. Each session is an hour and a half. To find out more, contact 0330 333 7416 or 01903 231939 (9:30am to 4:00pm) or email [email protected] or go to www.safeinsussex.org.
Understanding your child is a 10 week programme that aims to support parents in building positive and responsive relationships with their children. Find out what works for you and your child. Speak to a member of staff to find out more.
Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)
Compass Card is a leisure discount card for 0 to 25 year olds with significant special needs or disabilities living in West Sussex and Brighton and Hove. Find out more at www.compasscard.org.uk or call 01273 772289.
Family Information Service (see page 4) also offers support with accessing inclusive childcare for children with SEND. For more information on accessing childcare go to https://wiki.rixwiki.org/west-sussex-mmm/home/accessing- childcare.
Local Offer helps you find information about local services, support and events for children and young people aged 0 to 25 years with SEND. Check out what is on offer at https://westsussex.local-offer.org or call 0330 222 8555.
SEND Information, Advice, Support (SENDIAS) provides impartial information, advice and support to parents and carers of children with SEND aged 0 to 25 years old. Find out more at https://westsussexsendias.org or call 0330 222 8555.
West Sussex Library Service runs a multi-sensory story time session specifically for children and young people with additional needs. They also provide a ‘Communication library’ which includes simple flashcards and devices for recording personal messages to support effective communication, and specially adapted toys to help young children learn through play. Visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/libraries for further details.
Young People
C-Card enables 13 to 21 year olds to get free condoms, confidential advice and a Chlamydia testing kit from anywhere displaying this logo. Check out more at www.sexualhealthwestsussex.nhs.uk.
Chat Health provides confidential support and advice on any health issues from a NHS school nurse via text messages. The service covers a wide range of issues such as bullying, emotional health and wellbeing, healthy relationships, sleeping, eating and drug and alcohol issues. The service is available for aged 11 to 19 year olds who attend secondary school by texting 07480 635424, available Monday to Friday 9:00am to 4:30pm throughout the year (except Bank Holidays).
Domestic Abuse Recovery Programme (DARP) is aimed at 13 to 16 year olds who have lived in a home where there has been historic domestic abuse. The programme aims to support young people using a range of activities to help build their self-esteem, manage feelings and support them in moving forward. It also helps young people understand the difference between an abusive relationship and a healthy one and look to the future.
Find It Out centres can offer information, advice and guidance to any 13 to 25 year olds. Get support with: CV writing; job searching; finding an apprenticeship; family and relationships; sexual health; access to the C-Card scheme; pregnancy and Chlamydia testing; housing advice; emotional support; counselling and much more. For further information go to www.westsussex.gov.uk/fio.
Jellyfish is a course for 13 to 18 year olds who have an interest in the creative arts. Explore their emotions, feelings and worries through group work.
M8s is a group for 13 to 25 year olds who have an additional need or physical disability. The purpose of the group is to develop individual’s personal, social and emotional wellbeing through a range of activities.
Target 4 Teens offers short group work activities and one-to- one support providing information, advice and guidance. It is aimed at 13 to 18 year olds who are referred to the service with the aims of building self-confidence, and social skills, and to develop group work skills.
Junior Target 4 Teens offers short group work activities and one-to-one support providing information, advice and guidance. With the same aims as Target 4 Teens, this group is for 10 to 12 year olds who are referred to the service.
Youth Emotional Support (YES) offers a service to 11 to 18 year olds. Helping them to identify, acknowledge and work through difficulties they may be facing that are having a negative impact on their emotional wellbeing and personal/social life. Ask at your local Find It Out centre or go to www.westsussex.gov.uk/YES.
Young Carers is a targeted programme to enable each young carer to have a break from caring with an aim to develop personal, social and emotional wellbeing. Young carers are children and young people under 18 years old, who look after a member of the family who is sick, disabled, has mental health problems or is misusing drugs or alcohol. For more information email [email protected] or go to www.westsussex.gov.uk/youngcarers.
Your Space is a website aimed at 11 to 25 year olds. It’s a place they can find out about all the things that are important to them in their life right now. www.yourspacewestsussex.co.uk.
Other local services
Bookstart is a free session aimed at under 5 year olds, supporting families to read together every day and inspire children to develop a love of books and reading. Includes free Bookstart gifts to take away! Sessions at Broadfield library on 13th January, 10th February, 9th March, 6th April 2020.
Childminder Groups are open to registered childminders to bring along children in their care to use the facilities at the Children and Family Centres.
Health Developmental Reviews are by invitation to have your child’s development stages reviewed with a member of the Healthy Child Programme. Appointments only.
Information and Play with Rhyme Time is a session for you to Drop in and play with your children and discuss any information and advice needs with us. This session finishes with a staff-led Rhyme Time.
Magic Carpet is an interactive sensory floor activity. Booking required at Bewbush on 01293 651760 or Broadfield on 01293 651777.
Midwife Appointments are by invitation for parents.
Public Access Computers are available for free use to search for jobs, update your CV or apply for 2 year funding for nursery and play schools. A printing facility is available too.
Rhyme Time is a singing and rhyme session for children between the ages of 0 and 3 years.
Sensory Rooms are in Bewbush, Broadfield and Langley Green Children and Family Centres and are filled with resources for
wonderful sensory exploration and development for your children. Booking required.
Toy Library is available for you to borrow toys free of charge on a regular basis. Located at Broadfield, Langley Green and Bewbush Children and Family Centres as well as Broadfield and Crawley Libraries.
Weaning Sessions are talks by the Healthy Child Programme for parents/carers of babies aged between 4 and 6 months who are looking for advice about weaning. Booking is required on 01293 227809.
Programme of activities and services (Our centres are closed during Bank Holidays)
Time Location Activity
MONDAY Sensory Room and Magic 9:30am-4:00pm Broadfield Carpet (booking required) Sensory Room and Magic 9:30am-3:30pm Bewbush Carpet (booking required) Sensory Room (booking 9:30am-3:30pm Langley Green required) Pound Hill Information and Play with 10:00am-11:30am Rhyme Time Langley Green Information and Play with 10:00am-11:30am Rhyme Time Discover Baby (term time) Broadfield 10:00am-11:30am (unable to accommodate
childcare providers) Broadfield Information and Play with 1:00pm-2:30pm Rhyme Time Find It Out 1:00pm-5:00pm Find It Out Drop-in Centre Healthy Child Clinic - First, third and fifth Monday of the 1:30pm-3:00pm Pound Hill month, excluding bank holidays Healthy Child Clinic Second 1:30pm-3:00pm Maidenbower and fourth Monday of the month excluding bank holidays
Langley Green Junior Target 4 Teens (term 4:00pm-6:00pm Youth Centre time) TUESDAY Childminders Drop-in (term 9:30am-11:00am Pound Hill time) Sensory Room and Magic 9:30am-3:30pm Bewbush Carpet (booking required) Sensory Room (booking 9:30am-4:00pm Broadfield required) Sensory Room (booking 9:30am-3:30pm Langley Green required) Information and Play with 10:00am-11:30am Bewbush Rhyme Time Northgate Play and Learn Together (term time) (unable to 1:00pm-2:30pm accommodate childcare providers) Find It Out 1:00pm-5:00pm Find It Out Drop-in Centre Healthy Child Clinic – First 2:00pm-3:30pm Bewbush and third Tuesday of the month Weaning Session on the second Tuesday of the month. 2:00pm-3:30pm Bewbush Booking required on 01293 227809 Weaning Session on the fourth Tuesday of the month. 2:00pm-3:30pm Pound Hill Booking required on 01293 227809 West Green 4:00pm-6:00pm Jellyfish (term time) Youth Centre
WEDNESDAY 9:30am-11:00am Broadfield Healthy Child Clinic 9:30am-11:00am Broadfield MILK! Childminders Drop-in (term 9:30am-11:30am Bewbush time) Sensory Room (booking 9:30am-3:30pm Langley Green required) Sensory Room and Magic 9:30am-4:00pm Broadfield Carpet (booking required) Sensory Room and Magic 9:30am-3:30pm Bewbush Carpet (booking required) Maidenbower Information and Play with 10:00am-11:30am Rhyme Time 1:00pm-2:30pm Pound Hill MILK! Find It Out 1:00pm-5:00pm Find It Out Drop-in Centre 2:15pm-2:45pm Northgate Rhyme Time Langley Green 6:30pm-8:30pm Young Carers (term time) Youth Centre THURSDAY Broadfield Sensory Room and Magic 9:30am-4:00pm Carpet (booking required) Bewbush Sensory Room and Magic 9:30am-3:30pm Carpet (booking required) Childminders Drop-in (term 9:30am-11:30am Broadfield time) 10:00-12:00pm Langley Green Play and Learn Plus
Play and Learn Together (booking required) (term time) 10:00am-11:30am Bewbush (unable to accommodate childcare providers) Sensory Room (booking 12:30pm-3:30pm Langley Green required) Information and Play with 1:00pm-2:30pm Langley Green Rhyme Time Find It Out 1:00pm-5:00pm Find It Out Drop-in Centre Langley Green 4:00pm-6:00pm Target 4 Teens (term time) Youth Centre FRIDAY Sensory Room and Magic 9:30am-12:00pm Bewbush Carpet (booking required) Sensory Room and Magic 9:30am-3:30pm Broadfield Carpet (booking required) Sensory Room (booking 9:30am-2:30pm Langley Green required) 9:30am-11:00am Langley Green Healthy Child Clinic 10:00am-11:30am Langley Green MILK! Discover Baby (term time) 10:00am-11:30am Bewbush (unable to accommodate childcare providers)
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Local library services
Many libraries offer Rhyme Time, Toddler Time, and Story Time for children under 5. Libraries also run activities for young people such as Library games after school. To find out about the different services they offer visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/libraries. Community Shop
Sells a range of Health approved oral health products at very competitive prices including Tommy Tippee cups, toothbrushes and toothpaste. Available at Children and Family Centres. Local financial support
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) provides free, confidential and independent advice to help people overcome their problems. CAB are a voice for their clients and consumers on the issues that matter to them. They value diversity, champion equality and challenge discrimination. They are here for everyone! Visit www.advicewestsussex.org.uk for more information. Healthy Start Vitamins
These are for pregnant and breastfeeding women and growing children who are in receipt of benefits. Available at Children and Family Centres on presentation of your voucher. Ask for a blank application form from a member of staff or your Health Visitor. Visit www.healthystart.nhs.uk for more information.
Contact details
BEWBUSH Children and Family Centre Dorsten Square, Crawley, RH11 8XW Monday – 9:00am-4:00pm Tuesday – 9:00am-4:30pm Wednesday – 9:00am-4:30pm Thursday - 9:00am-4:30pm Friday – 9:00am-12:30pm Telephone: 01293 651760 Email: [email protected] BROADFIELD Children and Family Centre Creasys Drive, Crawley, RH11 9HJ Monday to Thursday 9:00am-4:30pm Friday – 9:00am-4:00pm Telephone: 01293 651777 Email: [email protected]
CRAWLEY FindItOut Centre Centenary House, Woodfield Road, Crawley, RH10 8GP Monday – 1:00pm-5:00pm Tuesday – 1:00pm-5:00pm
Wednesday – 1:00pm-5:00pm Thursday - 1:00pm-5:00pm Telephone: 01293 843327 Email: [email protected]
LANGLEY GREEN AND IFIELD Children and Family Centre Langley Green Centre, Stagelands, Langley Green, Crawley, RH11 7PF Monday to Thursday 9:00am-4:00pm Friday – 9:00am-3:00pm Telephone: 01293 651747 Email: [email protected]
LANGLEY GREEN Youth Centre Langley Green Centre, Stagelands, Langley Green, Crawley, RH11 7PG Open during session times
MAIDENBOWER Children and Family Centre Harvest Road, Maidenbower, Crawley, RH10 7RA Monday – 1:30pm-3:00pm on clinic days Wednesday – 10:00am-12:00pm Telephone: 01293 651720 Email: [email protected]
NORTHGATE Children and Family Centre Barnfield Road, Crawley, RH10 8DP Tuesday – 1:00pm-3:00pm Wednesday – 9:00am-3:00pm Telephone: 01293 651740 Email: [email protected]
POUND HILL Children and Family Centre Briarswood, Crawley Lane, Crawley, RH10 7EB Monday – 9:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm- 3:00pm on clinic days Wednesday – 1:00pm-2:30pm for MILK!
Telephone: 01293 651722 Email: [email protected]
SOUTHGATE Children and Family Centre Barrington Road, Crawley, RH10 6DG Open for appointments only Telephone: 01293 651798 Email: [email protected]
WEST GREEN Youth Centre West Green Youth Centre, West Green Drive, Crawley. RH11 7EL Open during session times