From 14 to18 September Merton’s families are invited to join in with numerous free, fun-filled activities at Merton’s children’s centres to mark the very first Sure Start Children’s Centre Week.

There will be a family sports day, kids clubs, a celebration for two-year-olds and much more taking place at the borough’s children’s centres. The week will end with a flourish with a family party at Lavender Steers Mead Children’s Centre in Mitcham on Friday afternoon.

Sure Start Children’s Centre Week is taking place to celebrate the growth of the children’s centres network. There are now more than 3,000 centres in England and by 2010 there will be 3,500, or one for every community in the country.

Merton now has nine children’s centres, offering activities and services to help parents give their children the best start in life. This includes support and advice on parenting, childcare, training and employment opportunities, managing family finances plus antenatal and post-natal health services. The centres also run activities, workshops and events for families throughout the year, many of which are free or low-cost.

Cabinet member for children’s services, Councillor Debbie Shears said “We’re committed to putting the needs of families in Merton first and our local children’s centres provide a wealth of information, advice and support to cater for the needs of all families in the borough.

“We’ve opened nine new centres in Merton over the last two years and it has been great to see so many parents already benefiting from the services on offer.

“This week is an opportunity for local people to find out more about what goes on at their children’s centre, while taking part in a number of fun, free activities for all the family.”

For more information about Merton’s Sure Start Children’s Centres call the Family Information Service on 020 8545 3800 or visit http://www.merton.gov.uk/community/childrenscentres

Notes to editors:
Family Sports Day is on 15 September, 2.00pm to 3.30pm at Joseph Hood Recreation Ground. Contact 07985 264644 for information and directions.
The celebration event for two-year-olds is from 1.00pm to 3.00pm on Thursday 17 September at Newminster Children’s Centre in Morden (020 8274 5820).
The end of week party is from 1.00pm to 3.00pm on Friday 18 September at Lavender Steers Mead Children’s Centre (020 8646 4429)

-Ends-