Sure Start Children's Centres are places that provide information and services for families with young children aged from birth to five years in the local community and are great places to meet new people.

Sure Start is the government's programme to support young children and families. The establishment of multi-agency Sure Start Children's Centres brings together early learning, health and family support. They actively support parents in their aspirations towards employment, education and training.

The Sure Start approach ensures that every child gets the best possible start in life and helps parents choose with confidence how they balance their work and family commitments.

Sure Start Children's Centres provide a variety of support and services to local families including:

• drop-in sessions for parents and children - play activities, music, story time and many more;
• ante-natal services and baby clinics pr ovided by midwives and health visitors;
• encouragement and support for parents thinking about training or finding a new job;
• links with local schools and voluntary agencies;
• information and advice about breastfeeding, speech and language, parenting, health issues and all the difficult times that can be experienced with babies and young children.