News

At a time where social distancing is prevalent, schools are closed and children are stuck at home all day following government advice, boredom can set in and it can be difficult for parents to constantly think of new play ideas for children. This is where the Make Time 2 Play campaign comes in handy.

One of the first research projects aimed at gauging the UK public’s attitude and responses to the coronavirus pandemic is being launched.

Experts at Cardiff University and Cardiff Metropolitan University are urging people from across the UK to take part in a survey to assess how people feel about – and how they are responding to – one of the biggest health crises facing the country in recent history.

An education charity, City Lit, shares guidance on how parents, teachers and guardians can explain COVID-19 to children to help reduce anxiety.

Now live a 100 per cent free tool called "Naybly" (the easy way to be and spell neighbourly) that helps people connect with their neighbours.

Happy World Book Day 2020 – how stressful was yours?

Over £100 million worth of fraud — often targeting vulnerable and elderly customers — has been prevented through the Banking Protocol, a UK-wide scheme that enables bank branch staff to spot potential fraud victims and request an immediate police response. However anyone can be a victim of these scams and the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign helps us all.

Congratulations to Jasbinder Bilan for winning the 2019 Costa  Children's Book Award with her début novel Asha & the Spirit Bird, published by Chicken House.

Organic baby food brand Piccolo is once again committing much-needed funds and resources to help families in need, as it announces two new charity partnerships with Little Village and City Harvest.

Following on from research carried out by Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil which shows us that children prioritise fun and friendship, Alistair Bryce Clegg, Early Years specialist from the Channel4 programme Old People’s Home for Four Year Olds, discusses the importance of routine for children and the things they – and we – should all be doing daily with his top tips.

Today – 11 November – is Singles Day (11/11) and Build-A-Bear Workshop is celebrating with £11.11 deals online on furry friends and accessories. The sale is today only and online only so make sure to grab those £11.11 deals while you can.

The Wildlife Trusts call for every child to have a daily one-hour nature boost after research they commissioned by the Institute of Education at UCL to evaluate the impact that experiencing nature has upon children, revealed that children’s wellbeing increased after they had spent time connecting with nature: the children showed an increase in their personal wellbeing and health over time, and they showed an increase in nature connection and demonstrated high levels of enjoyment. 

Just one book can brighten a vulnerable child’s Christmas. BookTrust appeals to public to donate £10 to send a book gift to a vulnerable child this December. 

Experts at British online marketplace OnBuy.com looked at the prices for the cheapest Halloween products that you’ll need for celebrating. 

Charity Kids in Museums awards the prize annually to one museum, gallery, historic home or heritage site in the UK that goes the extra mile to provide a great experience for families. It is the only museum award in the UK to be judged by families.

Teddy’s Wish announce their third annual bereavement and wellness retreat, running over the weekend of 21 – 22 September at the unique and calming surroundings of St Katharine’s Parmoor in Henley-on-Thames. The fully-funded weekend retreat offers group therapy sessions, as well as yoga, light exercise, creative writing and mindful meditation. They have also unveiled their "Be There" step-by-step guide on how to support friends and family who might be grieving the loss of a baby.

Now in its third year the Morecambe & Vice Crime Festival has a fabulous range of panels and speakers. Anne Coates will be talking to Sharna Jackson, Nicki Thornton and Sarah Todd Taylor about writing crime for young adult readers on Saturday 28 September, 2019.

As part of a drive to get as many children’s eyes tested as possible before school terms starts in September, Bayfields Opticians, an independent, national group of opticians and audiologists, is offering parents and carers free eye tests when they book a special one hour appointment with their child before 31 August.   

The stresses of modern life can leave even the very best of us exhausted, but experts are warning that women in particular may risk serious health problems because of poor levels of crucial nutrients according to an important new report by a group of nutrition, medical and research experts – commissioned by Alive! The report – The Impact of Modern Medicine on Nutrient Status – looks closely at general nutrient intakes and why so many of us may have inadequate levels.