21/7/2006 - A Sure Start for summer fun

A series of summer roadshows to help keep children busy in the holidays has been set up by Cumbria Sure Start.

As part of its commitment to helping and supporting families Cumbria Sure Start, along with the County Council's library service, has organised the special activity days to bring advice, information, and lots of fun to local areas over the next two weeks.

Sure Start works with the Council and other local organisations to make sure children and families receive support when and where they need it.

The roadshows offer plenty for the children to do, including face painting, entertainers, and competitions such as 'guess how many animals in the jar'.

The Whitehaven, Carlisle, Barrow and Keswick roadshows will also feature a visit from a music man who makes instruments from recycled material. 

Parents and carers will be able to meet staff from the Council's Children's Information Service, Jobcentre Plus, Connexions, the Fire Service and health visiting services.

The Library bus will be there and anyone who isn't currently a member of their local library can join at the roadshows and take books away with them on the day.

The roadshows are the last in a series of Sure Start summer activities that have included a county-wide giant sheep pass the parcel, a family fun day at Brockhole Visitor Centre and a penalty 'sheep-out' to tie in with Germany 2006.

All the Sure Start roadshows run from 11am - 4pm.   There are six in all:

Tuesday 25 July                Whitehaven Market Place

Wednesday 26 July           Carlisle City Centre

Thursday 27 July               Kendal Market Place

Tuesday 1 August              Penrith Cornmarket

Thursday 3 August             Barrow Town Square

Friday 4 August                  Keswick Market Place

Katie Walker is Cumbria Sure Start's Marketing and Communications officer.   She said:

"We have had a great response to all our events so far this summer and I am sure the roadshows will be no exception - especially if this hot weather continues!"

County Councillor Philip Chappelhow is cabinet spokesman for children's services.   He said:

"These Sure Start roadshows are both useful and fun - they provide not only great entertainment but also an opportunity for parents to get information, help and support on a whole range of issues."

Notes for Editors

Cumbria Sure Start delivers the national Sure Start agenda for the children, parents and communities of Cumbria.  

Sure Start supports children and families from pregnancy through to age 19 by:

- increasing the availability of childcare for all children

- improving health and emotional development for young children

- supporting parents to achieve their aspirations towards employment