Sutton Coldfield Children's Centres

😊 It’s National Smile Month – Meet Smiley Shen! 😁

Did you know that in Birmingham, 34.3% of 5-year-olds in 2024 have experienced tooth decay (enamel and/or dentinal)? This is higher than both the West Midlands average and England overall.
Tooth decay can lead to a range of physical, practical, and emotional challenges for children – which is why early oral health is so important.

Say hello to Smiley Shen, one of our Start Well characters! 🦷
Smiley Shen helps share the message about keeping our teeth clean and healthy, and reminds us that our first set of teeth – also known as milk teeth – are really important. They help children learn to eat, chew, and speak.

👉 Want to learn more?

Visit the Start Well website to download Smiley Shen’s “How to Brush Your Teeth” guide.

Let’s keep those smiles healthy! ✨

Did you know healthy oral habits start long before adult teeth appear? 👶🦷
As part of National Smile Month, Smiley Shen supports early years settings to introduce simple, consistent messages about toothbrushing, toothpaste, and regular routines.
By working together with families, we can give children the best possible start for lifelong oral health.

📣 New Inclusive Multi-sports for Children aged 7-16 with Unity Fitness Coaching

📅 Saturday 30th May - Saturday 18th July

🔁 Every Saturday

🕛 15:00 - 16:00

📍 Birmingham Settlement Sports and Community Centre, 600 Kingstanding Road, B44 9SH

📣 Inclusive Multi-sports for Children aged 7-16!

📅 Saturday 30th May - Saturday 18th July
🔁 Every Saturday
🕛 15:00 - 16:00
📍 Birmingham Settlement Sports and Community Centre, 600 Kingstanding Road, B44 9SH

🌟 Volunteer Marketplace Event 🌟
Join Erdington Best Start Family Hub for a special Volunteer Marketplace as part of Volunteering Week!

📅 Date: Monday 1st June
🕘 Time: 9:30am – 11:00am
📍 Location: Erdington Best Start Family Hub, Lakeside Children's Centre.

Come along to:

Discover local volunteering opportunities
Build your skills and confidence
Explore ways to support your community and local organisations

Whether you're looking to gain experience, meet new people, or give back, this is a great opportunity to get involved.

✨ We look forward to seeing you there!

This week is our Showcase Event at Holland House School (next door to our Holland House, Best Start Family Hub).

We cannot wait to meet all the local families, come along meet services, meet Bluey and Bingo and take part in a range of fun activities.

📣 Sutton Coldfield Families!
Join us for the Best Start Family Hub & Our Place Showcase Event on Friday 29th May 2026, 2–4pm.

✨ Meet local organisations
✨ Discover support available for families
✨ Enjoy crafts, games & activities
✨ Say hello to Bluey & Bingo
✨ PLUS — the first 70 families get a free tote bag!

Bring the kids, bring your friends, and enjoy an afternoon designed to celebrate and support our amazing community. We can’t wait to see you there!

🌿 Active Azra – Supporting Our Health & Wellbeing 🌿

Did you know that 18th May is Walk to Nursery and School Week? 🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️

Let’s take this opportunity to stay active, keep fit, and support our wellbeing by choosing to walk wherever we can. Every step counts! 💚

Why not make it part of your daily routine to walk to your local children’s centres and family hubs too? It’s a great way to boost physical health, improve mood, and enjoy time outdoors with your family. 🌞

Together, let’s build healthy habits and encourage our little ones to stay active from an early age! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

18th May is walk to nursery and school week. Why not ask your parents to walk or scoot to nursery or park further away and walk a short distance to setting. Walking and being active with Active Azra is important to improve our health and wellbeing.

📚✨ GCSE Support for Families This Summer ✨📚

Is your child sitting their GCSEs this summer?

Our Place Support is offering a FREE wellbeing and support programme to help young people manage stress, build confidence, and feel supported during exam season 💙

🗓️ Starting Tuesday 12th May

This is a great opportunity to ensure your child feels calm, prepared, and supported throughout their exams.

Exam stress levels rising? Our drop-in wellbeing support is here for young people throughout the exam period. Starting on Tuesday 12th May 3:30-5pm at Our Place Community Hub.

Young people doing their GCSEs can drop in for emotional support, coping tools, grounding techniques, or simply a quiet space to reset. ✨

💙 Safe Sleep for Babies 💙

Following recent conversations in the media about baby sleep advice, The Lullaby TrustThe Lullaby Trust has shared updated guidance to help keep babies safe.
Some key safer sleep tips include:

✅ Place your baby on their back
✅ Keep the sleep space clear
✅ Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress
✅ Sleep your baby in the same room as you, for at least the first 6 months
✅ Keep your baby’s environment smoke-free