Free courses to support parents and carers in York

Thursday, 26 September 2024 23:49

By Alexander Chadwick @thisisyo1

Parents and carers in York are being reminded that there is a wide range of free courses to help support them and their children, many of which are available online.

The courses are run by both national and local providers and cover a wide range of topics from pregnancy and newborns, to teenagers or children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

A full list of the courses is available on the Raise York website – www.raiseyork.co.uk/families/parents - and parents and carers can search by topic or by their child’s age.

The website also has details of local support groups for parents and carers. Parents and carers come together to share their experiences and help each other.

These support groups offer a safe place to talk about new challenges and celebrate success; a chance to learn new tips and to meet people who understand what you’re going through.

Cllr Bob Webb, the council’s Executive Member for Children and Young People, said: “We know that raising children can be tough for anyone and parents may welcome a bit of low-stakes, low-pressure support at times, as well as an opportunity to build a supportive community of friends.

“This offer provides a wide range of courses depending on your needs, so if you’d like to connect with other parents and carers, you can do so by joining a group course, but you can also pick courses that you do in your own time. This really is an offer to families to pick from to help create something that works well for them.”

Parents and carers of new babies can also access information about services and support available locally in a dedicated booklet – Supporting you parenting journey in York – which is available to all parents via their midwife and/or when they register their child’s birth. The booklet is also available online at www.raiseyork.co.uk/babies-young-children

More from Community Information

Friday 29 November, 10am - see York Minster's Advent Wreath raised National Schools Singing Programme raises the Wreath at York Minster

As doors up and down the country are being decorated with Advent wreaths of holly and ivy to the sounds of Michael Bublé or Carols from Kings, York Minster's talented Flower Arrangers are preparing to do much the same, but both the wreath and the backing track need to be a little bigger to fill the Minster’s cavernous central crossing.
Blue Badge holders’ Christmas market access to city centre confirmed

Following the Council’s Executive decision to establish limited Blue Badge holders’ access into York city centre during this year’s Christmas market, it’s been confirmed that it can start from 5pm on Tuesday 26 November.
Private fostering? Get in touch

City of York Council and safeguarding partners across the city are reminding residents that they need to get in touch with the council if they are making arrangements for someone else to look after their child/children for longer than 28 days.
City of York council unveils key proposals in ‘Our Big Budget Conversation’ amidst unprecedented financial pressures

City of York Council is asking for the community’s continued engagement as it tackles one of the most challenging budgets in its history.
St Sampson’s Centre to serve as a 'Quiet Oasis' this Christmas

St Sampson's Centre will serve the community as a peaceful and welcoming retreat this Christmas for a serene moment amid the seasonal celebrations.