Oh, baby - it's going to be a week to remember for Bay's tiny tots

Babies are taking centre stage during a special week of events in Torbay.

Bay wide early years services have come together to offer events, activities and workshops for parents, caregivers and babies. 

Between Thursday November 14 and Wednesday November 210, Torbay Family Hubs, together with partners and practitioners will be hosting a packed programme of events that promote the importance of having a close and loving relationship with your baby.

There are three Family Hubs in Torbay, at The Barn in Brixham, The Beehive in Paignton and St Edmunds in Plainmoor, Torquay, all run by the 0-19 Partnership.

Torbay first took part in the National Baby Week initiative in 2023. Baby Week has a bold vision to make the UK the best place to grow up in and highlights the importance of the first five years of life. Locally, Torbay wants to be recognised as a child friendly place, ensuring all children and young people feel safe and live well within their communities.

Feedback from families that took part in Baby Week 2023, asked for events to take place over the weekend, and for more activities aimed at Dads and male carers. Taking this feedback on board, the local team responsible for organising Baby Week Torbay has been able to develop a more inclusive programme of events.

Some Baby Week Torbay event highlights include:

Ramble Club – November 14, at 10.30am, Brixham, free to join

A walk along Brixham Harbourside, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and meet other families from around the Bay.

Pre-loved Clothes Sale – November 16, 10am to 2pm, The Beehive, Paignton

Browse and purchase (by cash only donation) some amazing pre-loved clothes for your little one.

Baby Massage with Dad – November 16, 10.30am, The Beehive, Paignton

A special massage session for Dads and male carers, allowing them to bond with their baby. Booking in advance is essential.

Young Parent Support Group, November 18, 10.30am, The Beehive, Paignton

A support group for young parents and young expectant parents under the age of 25.

Bookstart, November 18, 1.30pm, Upton Vale Baptist Church, Torquay

Celebrating the joy of books. There will also be a free story pack for you to take away and enjoy at home.

Bump Club’s Baby Shower, November 19, 5pm, The Beehive, Paignton

Meet new friends and learn ways to relax and bond with your baby before they arrive. Booking in advance is essential.

Details of all Baby Week Torbay events can be found at: https://torbayfamilyhub.org.uk/baby-week-torbay/ 

Cllr Nick Bye, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services at Torbay Council, said; “Baby Week Torbay is a celebration of babies and all the people who care for them. Since our Family Hubs opened in early 2023, they have brought families and essential early years services together to ensure that all children in Torbay have the best start in life.

“We know that lots of parents and carers enjoyed what Baby Week had to offer in 2023, and that it gave them opportunities to meet other parents and learn new ways to support their child’s development.

“Local families are again invited to take part in Baby Week. Visit the Family Hub website or pop into one of our three Family Hubs to find out more.”

Nicola McMinn, Chief Nurse at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: “As a midwife, we know that the early years of a child’s life are incredibly important, which is why providing opportunities to promote close and loving relationships is so valuable.

 “It is fantastic that we are able to support the second ever Baby Week here in Torbay with a range of free events for all the family. I would like to encourage all families in our area to visit the Torbay Family Hubs website; there are so many beneficial activities with something for everyone throughout the week.”

Baby Week Torbay is organised by Torbay Family Hubs with partnerships involving Torbay Council, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, Public Health, Action for Children and many more partners across a range of sectors.