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31/5/2006 - Baa-my pass the parcel scheme kicks off Sure Start month

A giant cuddly sheep will begin a trip around the county next Wednesday, 7th June, as part of Cumbria's celebrations to mark National Sure Start Month.

Now in its fourth year the month of activities celebrates Sure Start's achievements and aims to raise awareness of the services 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.

The toy sheep will play the role of the parcel in 'pass the parcel parties' in children's centres around Cumbria.   Some of the centres have decided on a theme for their party, including 'Old Macdonald had a farm'.   Children will be drawing or painting pictures of sheep and one from each centre will be stuck on the parcel as it travels round.

The countywide pass the parcel will finish its journey at a family fun day at the Lake District Visitor Centre at Brockhole on Sunday 25th June.

All the activities are free and include musical sculptures, face painting, graffiti sheets and 'Guess the name of the sheep'.   Advice and information will be on hand from the council's Children's Information Service. 

Philip Chappelhow is the council's cabinet spokesman for children's services.

He said:

"National Sure Start Month is a great opportunity to highlight the wide range of services and support available for children and families from pregnancy right through to age 19.

"Cumbria Sure Start works closely with colleagues in education, health, care services and the voluntary and private sector and that joint working means that the services and support families get is comprehensive, and constant."

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

"We are delighted that so many settings are taking part in the Pass the Parcel event.   We want to make a big splash this year and celebrate National Sure Start month as well as raise awareness of all the services we offer.  

"There are lots of events going on in Cumbria and ours is one of many to celebrate the work childcare professionals do with children and their families."