Community
What to expect
Emotional Support: We're here for you with a warm welcome, a supportive listening ear, and specialist guidance.
Creative Exploration: Explore your creativity and support your self-care in a nurturing environment.
Ask Questions: Got questions on behaviour, sleep, or emotions relating to your child? We can help!
Stay & Play: Babies and children under 5 can engage in play enriched with emotional learning resources.
Family Support Fund
Our Family Support Fund helps primary-school-aged children access early emotional wellbeing support when their family may be unable to meet the full cost.
Families can apply for help towards our six-week Growing Minds programme, designed for children who are beginning to show signs of anxiety, worry, emotional dysregulation or low confidence. You might have noticed more stomach aches than usual, reluctance to attend school, avoidance of situations your child previously enjoyed, friendship difficulties or outbursts of anger that feel out of character.
The full cost of Growing Minds is £417. Every child will also need an assessment call before beginning the programme, which usually costs £69.50. Families can request support towards either or both costs.
The fund has been made possible through the generosity of our community and fundraising supporters, including Enigma 7 Ltd and everyone who supported its gala dinner (link Derby Gala Dinner website).
Growing Minds is an early-intervention programme and is not an emergency, crisis or specialist mental health service. Applications are considered according to the child’s needs, the suitability of the programme and the funding available.
About
Free Drop Ins
Come and spend some time with Bridge the Gap at our free, term-time sessions for babies, young children and their families. There’s space to play, connect and ask questions about your child’s emotions and development. You’ll receive a warm welcome wherever you are in your parenting journey.
Introducing Emotions: for children under 2
A 12-week rolling programme of activities to help you understand your baby’s emotions, needs and development. Younger siblings under 5 are welcome too.
Thursdays, 10:00–11:30am
Harrington Nursery School2
Harrington Street, Pear Tree, Derby DE23 8PE
Emotional literacy enriched play: for children under 5
Join us for play and creative activities that help young children explore feelings and connect with the adults who care for them.
Tuesdays, 10:00–11:30am
Best Start Family Hub – Sinfin
345 Sinfin Lane, Derby DE24 9SF
Thursdays, 1:30–3:00pm
Best Start Family Hub – Mackworth Morley
Reigate Drive, Derby DE22 4EQ
Alongside Stay and Play
What to expect
Just drop in: There’s no need to book. Come along when you can.
A listening ear: Talk with us about what’s going on for you and your child in a welcoming, supportive space.
Help with your questions: Whether you’re wondering about behaviour, sleep, big feelings or your child’s development, we’re here to listen and offer guidance.
Time to play together: Explore creative activities and emotional learning resources with your child, at their pace.
All sessions are free and run during term time only.
Want to find out more before coming along? Email our Family Hubs Coordinator, Claire, at Claire@jwbridgethegap.com. You can ask questions or tell her anything that would help you feel more comfortable visiting. Our sessions are a safe, welcoming and non-judgemental space for you and your child.
There also need to be information around half-term activities - I've attached the image from the council website for this...
Family Hubs
Start the adventure today.
