Hugs, smiles and a helping hand at Ribbleton Family Hub teddy bears' picnic
It's a sunny Autumn morning - and Ribbleton Family Hub is already alive with the laughter of excited tots, parents and carers.
That's because this is one of the county council's 34 Family Hubs, and today it's hosting a teddy bears' picnic.
On the menu today are giant teddy bears, activities, games, toys and story time – as well as a much-needed chance for parents and carers to chat with each other and find out more about what support is on offer.
Danielle, mum to 17-month-old Arlo, of Preston, regularly comes to events.
The 30-year-old said: "We come here all the time – it's absolutely lovely. We came for baby massage, and have been coming ever since, and attend two to three times a week.
"It has helped Arlo to develop and to get speaking, and it's great to see him mingling with other kids of his age."
Jenny, 27, whose daughter Isla Rose is 18 months old, said: "We used to come to baby massage when she was little.
"She's very sociable – and she's obsessed with the teddy bears. She does enjoy little days out and having other children to play with."
Similarly, Courtney, 26, mum to 9-month-old Wynter, said: "She really seems to be enjoying it."
Meanwhile, Akbar, 39, dad of Emir, who is almost two years old, said: "We really enjoy coming here. He enjoys playing and interacting with the other children and today, he's enjoying playing with toy cars and playing with the teddy bears.
"I think he's really improving."
Mum Gabriella, 31, is at the event with her son, 13-month-old Salahudin. She said: "This is our first time coming here - he absolutely loves the big bears."
Kara Wilcock, Best Start in Life Neighbourhood group Outreach Worker, said: "We enjoy working with families across Lancashire, both in our Family Hubs, Family Centres and Youth Zones, and by taking activities and support out into local communities.
"Our aim is to give children the best possible start in life through fun, engaging activities that help build confidence, support learning and development, and bring families together."
The county council's network of 34 Family Hubs, alongside Family Centres and Youth Zones, supports children, young people and families from pregnancy through to age 19, and up to age 25 for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The service provides support with pregnancy and infancy, parenting advice, emotional wellbeing, speech and language development, children's learning and development, SEND, health messages and wider family issues. Teams also deliver activities and support directly within local communities to ensure families can access help close to home.
Pictured from left to right are Best Start in Life Development Worker Melanie Parry, Family Time Worker Early Help Mel Smith and Best Start in Life Neighbourhood group Outreach Worker Kara Wilcock, with children enjoying the teddy bears' picnic at Ribbleton Family Hub's one stop shop
They also host vital 'one stop shops' making it easier for families to speak directly to a range of services, charities and organisations to get support on issues from health and wellbeing, to housing, family relationships and financial concerns
On hand after the teddy bears' picnic are charities like Home Start, Lancashire Women, Barnardo's and Cosy Homes in Lancashire, health and NHS organisations, Lancashire Fire and Rescue service, Preston City Council and the DWP, to name but a few.
Therapist Jenny Bolton, representing Barnardo's My Time to Thrive, a service supporting children and young people with their mental health and wellbeing, said: "We offer counselling, one to ones, group therapies, and emotional play therapy.
"We are a short term therapy service, all about supporting children and helping them to process their emotions."
Sarah Titlow, administrator at charity Cosy Homes in Lancashire at Ribbleton Family Hub's one stop shop
Similarly, Sarah Titlow, an administrator for Cosy Homes in Lancashire, said: "This is a great opportunity for people to speak to us about what's on offer, and to signpost them to what's out there.
"Our main focus is warm homes, and we do boiler repairs, advice and support for people struggling with energy debt. With winter coming up, it's more important than ever."
Victoria Cowell and Jolanda Hargreaves (l-r), staff nurses with the school nursing team at HRCG, at Ribbleton Family Hub's one stop shop
Lisa Gray, of Preston City Council's debt and advice service, said: "I've helped a number of people today.
"This sort of event really does help people so why not come along?"
Suzanne Brooks-Parry, Team Manager for Preston Neighbourhood and Community Team, said:
"The Family Hub model is all about making support accessible and ensuring families can get the help they need in a welcoming environment.
"Through our network of Family Hubs, Family Centres and Youth Zones, and by working directly in communities across Lancashire, we support families from pregnancy through to young adulthood, helping them access the advice, services and opportunities they need to thrive.
"Events such as our Teddy Bears' Picnic and One Stop Shop sessions are a fantastic way of bringing families and services together, while showcasing the strength of partnership working across Lancashire.
"It's been a really lovely day, and we've enjoyed welcoming so many children, parents, carers and families. We have events like this taking place across Lancashire throughout the year, so why not see what's available at your local Family Hub?"
For more information about Family Hubs and the support available in your area, visit the Lancashire County Council website.