Sure Start works in partnership with Lorag to provide a project aimed at families with pre-school children or expectant parents.  Our goal is to support parents and carers in enabling their children to reach their full potential and to provide practical and emotional support to parents/carers along the way. In doing so we provide the following programmes:

CRECHE

The 5 weekly crèche sessions are designed to support children’s learning, social skills and emotional development through stimulating age appropriate play.  For a couple of hours each week the children get the opportunity interact with their peers, build their confidence and self-esteem and enjoy play activities such as sand and water play and arts and crafts that may not be available at home.
The facility is also an invaluable resource to parents /carers, allowing them the opportunity to avail of various courses and programmes provided.  An of course it provides some much needed respite for those in need of a break (i.e. all parents!!)

PARENT AND TODDLER

This group meets every week (Wednesdays 12.30pm-2pm) to provide another stimulating play environment for local children. However its objective is to provide a space where parents/carers and children can play together, promoting positive parent/child interaction.  Not only do the children benefit greatly form this special time with mum/dad/carer but the adults also get the opportunity to meet other parents/carers and build friendships and support networks that can continue outside of Sure start.
A local Health Visitor kindly visits once a month to offer further support, info and advice and there are occasional one off information events.

COURSES

A group of parents (Parents of Lower Ormeau) currently meet on a weekly basis for a range of activities such as exercise, cookery, education or for the occasional coffee and chat.  Crèche is provided allowing parents to attend.

TRIPS/SUMMER SCHEME

Seasonal trips and parties are provided throughout the year including at least 3 or 4 trips out of the city during the summer months. This year we went to the zoo, Bangor by train, Carnfunnock and Lady Dixons.