Families in Calderdale are invited to events across the borough to celebrate Baby Week, a week-long celebration of early childhood that runs from Thursday 14 to Wednesday 20 November.
Baby Week launched in 2016 with the aim of making the UK the best place to grow up, by celebrating services and raising awareness of the importance of early childhood.
The first 1000 days of a child’s life, from conception to age two, are a time of rapid growth and brain development. Leading child health experts agree that the care given during the first 1000 days has more influence on a child’s future than at any other time in their life.
The focus for this year’s Baby Week is Connections. The baby’s brain has 100 billion brain cells at birth, but not many connections (these are known as synapses) between them. These connections are wired up by love, affection and closeness.
As part of the national programme for Baby Week, the Council and other organisations in Calderdale are holding events and activities for local families with babies aged 0 – 2 years.
Events in Calderdale include:
• A celebration day at Todmorden Health Centre on Thursday 14 November, with wide variety of activities and information including baby massage, storytelling, yoga, arts and crafts and much more.
• An interactive playgroup, focusing on connections, at St Paul’s Church, Sowerby Bridge on Thursday 14 November.
• A baby sensory course at Wellholme Park Family Hub, Brighouse
• Baby and pre-natal yoga, messy play, music, dancing and story sessions, First Aid training for parents, and lots more.
For the full list of events, locations, dates and times, please visit babyweek.co.uk/calderdale (external link)
The week also includes a special event on Monday 18 November(external link) for professionals and volunteers working with babies, children and families. Guest speakers will inspire, motivate and give attendees some ideas and practical take home tips.
Baby Week in Calderdale will close with a celebration of play at Eureka! The National Children’s Museum in Halifax, on what is also World Children’s Day(external link) – Wednesday 20 November. From 10am until 4pm, there will be one-off activities for families, including hands-on galleries, story time sessions and sensory play, and the opportunity to talk to professionals. Find out more at babyweek.co.uk/event/calderdale-baby-week-celebration-event(external link)
Cllr Tim Swift, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, said:
“This is the second year that we’ve hosted Baby Week activities, with a packed programme of events promoting the importance of love and affection and how these connections can support a baby’s development. Last year’s programme was a great success with some amazing feedback, and we want to welcome families to these entertaining and informative events.
“Baby Week forms part of the Calderdale Family Hub offer and supports the Calderdale Wellbeing Strategy priority for all children to be ready for school. The events being held as part of the week also highlight the year-round support available at our Family Hubs, making it easier for families to access a range of services for children’s health, wellbeing and development.”
For more information about Baby Week in Calderdale, please email family.hubs@calderdale.com
To find out more about Family Hubs Calderdale, visit calderdalefamilyhubs.org.uk(external link)