This section will provide you and your family with useful information and you can find out about some fun family activities to do at home.

Useful information - Shout out for your local Sure Start and information on how to apply for Sure Start maternity grant.

Things to do at home - In this section you will find fun activities to enjoy at home with your children.

Local businesses - There are some great independent stores in Sunderland for families. Click on the link local businesses for more information.

Sunderland is aiming to be a friendlier and more welcoming place for families by making it easier for them to access simple services and facilities when they’re out and about.

Businesses in Sunderland will be asked to take part in a short questionnaire to see if they can provide facilities such as locations for nappy changing facilities and family toilets. A Baby Buddy Guide will be produced detailing which businesses are taking part.

For more information please follow this link to Becoming Baby Buddy .

Back to School booklet

This guide contains useful information on things like school meals, family activities, holiday discounts and where to find advice on family benefits and childcare.

You'll find a brief description of each service along with details of where you can find out more.

Have a look at what's going on across Sunderland, back to school (pdf download).

Shout out for your Sure Start

The Shout out for a Sure Start campaign is a new campaign designed to help demonstrate the level of support there is, for Sure Start Children's Centres. Show your support by signing the pledge or shouting out for your local Sure Start.

Sure Start Maternity Grant

Are you on low income? If yes, then you might be eligible to apply for a Sure Start Maternity Grant. This grant is a one off payment to help parents with the cost of a new baby. The grant comes from a Social Fund and you don't have to repay it. For more information Sure Start Maternity Grant.

Sunderland Support Guide 2010

The Sunderland Support Guide is a guide for parents/ carers of disabled children and young people. It has been designed to assist parents/ carers in accessing information, support and services that are available to them and their family. To access the guide:-

Sunderland Support Guide 2010 (pdf download)

Treasure baskets   (pdf download)

Touch play is a very important part in the life of young babies. Because it is well developed even at birth, it provides babies with more immediate access to their world than any other sense, and this is why it is the first in the senses collection.

The touch basket promotes exploration of texture, shape, weight and of coldness, smoothness and pattern.

Helping your child to read (pdf download)

This booklet is designed to help you, help your child learn to read. It contains tips on how to encourage reading in day to day activities.

Waste not want not

This is a national campaign to encourage people not wasting food, and also provides hints and tips on how to prevent this. Sunderland City Council are support the Love Food Hate Waste national campaign. Try out the site and have a look at the useful recipes and ways to save money.