22/6/2006 - Sure Start Month goes out with a bash

Local celebrations for National Sure Start Month end this Sunday (25 June) with a big family fun day on the shores of Windermere.

The free fun day at  the Lake District Visitor Centre at Brockhole will feature a host of family activities including a music sculpture man, who makes musical instruments from recyclable materials, painting exhibitions, a face painter, craft stalls and graffiti sheets to doodle on.

Advice and information for families will also be on hand from the council's Children's Information Service. 

Cumbria Sure Start organised events throughout June to celebrate Sure Start's achievements and raise awareness of the service it offers to families, including childcare and early education, health services, advice, and help with getting training and work.  A national Government programme, Sure Start is supported locally by Cumbria County Council.

One of the most popular events was a countywide 'pass the parcel' with a giant cuddly sheep playing the role of the parcel, which visited children's centres around the county.  It's final stop will be the fun day at Brockhole where there will be a competition to guess its name.

Councillor Philip Chappelhow is the council's cabinet member for Children's Services.  He said: 

"Once again, National Sure Start Month has been a great success locally, with a great response to the events that have taken place throughout the county.

"The month is a great showcase for the wide range of services offered by Sure Start, but also provides an opportunity to celebrate their achievements."

"Sunday's fun day is a great way to round off those celebrations." 

Nicola Jackson is the Information and Projects manager for Cumbria Sure Start.  She said: 

"We have been delighted with the response to our countywide pass the parcel, and we have collected some fantastic sheep pictures from the children along the way to display at our exhibition.

"We are looking forward to having lots of fun on Sunday - now all we have to do is keep our fingers crossed for some good weather!"

The family fun day runs from 11am to 4pm on Sunday 25 June.  

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