Frightful good fun was enjoyed by babies and children at Medlock Vale Family Hub for Halloween.
Families enjoyed a spooky Stay and Play session with ghoulish games and activities to keep them entertained during the half term break.
Mini residents came in costume including 12-month-old Jacob Preece who got into the spirit dressed as a mini skeleton.
Mum Stacey Harrison has been bringing Jacob since he was two weeks old.
She said: “Home-Start breastfeeding support told me about the play and interaction available at the Family Hubs. It’s great to see him experiencing different things.”
Mehreen Khan says her five-year-old daughter Zahra Khan has been helped enormously by attending the Family Hub after struggling after the Covid pandemic, and it has also helped her 18-month-old son Mohammad Ahsan Khan with his confidence.
Zahra Khan has grown in confidence thanks to the Oldham Family Hubs
“It has been so helpful. When she was little she was not confident and was hiding at home,” she said about her daughter.
“I came here and (team assistant) Diane helped a lot. Now she doesn’t stop. She’s a chatterbox. She doesn’t keep quiet now.
“She started talking and she isn’t shy anymore.”
Kiren Nazim brought her two sons Hashim, 11, and Haider, nine, with her three-year-old daughter Duaa.
“They were both on their PlayStation so I said ‘let’s get off it and go to the Family Hub,’” she said.
“Both of my sons have been attending since they were little.
“It helps with all of their confidence and with sharing, and singing here helps with their speech.
“It’s also an outlet for me to get out of the house and speak to other parents.”
Brothers Hashim and Haider
Friends Megan Pass and Amanda Taft gave birth to their baby boys Bevan Jenkinson and Alfie Harvey just three weeks apart and the Family Hub is helping them to thrive.
Amanda said: “They’ll go on to be the best of friends. We bring them each week and they are exploring textures and toys together.”
Gill Felton, who is working on Halloween Stay and Play sessions across all seven Family Hubs with fellow team assistant Grace Lee, said: “We have had 30 children through the doors and it has been so successful.
“It is nice to see the little ones playing with the older children during the half term.”
Friends Megan Pass and Amanda Taft with their baby boys Bevan Jenkinson and Alfie Harvey
Since last summer, Oldham Council has opened seven Family Hubs to deliver a wide range of support and activities for families as part of a £3.6 million programme.
Family Hubs bring together invaluable resources such as midwifery clinics, breastfeeding support, parenting support, speech and language support and stay and play sessions as one-stop shop to give children the best start in life and overcome challenges.
They offer activities and support for children and young people from conception through to 19-years-old – or 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Cllr Shaid Mushtaq, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “It’s great to hear how our Family Hubs offer is helping our children in Oldham to thrive.
“We now have seven Hubs across the borough in regenerated spaces for families to enjoy and thrive with great services. and I encourage people to come and use their family friendly Hub.”
The next Halloween Stay and Play sessions will be held on Tuesday 5 November at Spring Meadows Family Hub at 10-11.30am and Stanley Road at 1.15–2.45pm.
Then Shaw Family Hub at 10-11.30am on Wednesday 6 November and Beever Family Hub at 1–2.30pm, followed by Alexandra Family Hub at 1–2.30pm on Friday 8 November.
For more information about our Family Hubs and to find your nearest Hub visit
