Does your child have a lot of nightmares or seriously disturbed sleep? Have they suffered because of separated or divorced parents? Do they display inappropriate behaviour, or become excessively angry? Or are they excessively shy or nervous?
If your child is experiencing any of the above and this is greatly affecting their life, it may be that Therapeutic Play can help. Parents and carers often worry when a child has a problem that causes them to be sad, disruptive, rebellious, unable to cope or inattentive. You may be concerned about your child’s development, eating or sleeping patterns and how they are getting along with family, friends and at school. Every child is unique and special but sometimes they experience problems with feelings or behaviours that cause disruption to their lives and the lives of those around them. Therapeutic play is a well established discipline based upon a number of psychological theories. The Therapeutic Play Specialist creates a safe, confidential and caring environment which allows the child to play with as few limits as possible but as many as necessary (for safety). In this way, healing can occur on many levels following our natural inner trend towards health.Play operates on impulses from outside our awareness - the unconscious. It is a child’s natural means of communication. Through the sessions, the child is given strategies to cope with difficulties they face in life and which they themselves cannot change. It provides a more positive view of their future life.
A fantastic new aquarium in the centre of Bristol where you will find yourself transported to the ‘underwater gardens’ of the Mediterranean or the beauty of tropical waters - home to everything from seahorses and puffer fish to living corals and tropical sharks.
Other displays at the aquarium reveal the diversity of the aquatic world from the naturally themed mangrove, tropical rainforest and fast-moving river habitats to open-top tanks, caves, wooden walkways and bridges. The centrepiece of the aquarium is the spectacular coral reef housed within a gigantic ocean display. The reef is home to exotic species like angelfish, zebra sharks, black tip reef sharks and hundreds of of other beautiful fish. You can also enjoy the closest of undersea encounters in an underwater walk-through tunnel through the reef, from inside a glass cavern and via a massive acrylic viewing window.
Open Daily from 10am. We close at 5pm Weekdays & 6pm Wknds and School Holidays. Closed on Christmas Day only.
www.charlottekeating.com T. 0117 9113890 M. 07789713921Charlotte is a Bristol based designer (and mum). Her range includes beautiful and comfortable maternity wear, breastfeeding clothes and essentials. She also has a lovely range of baby and toddler wear, as well as nursery products and gifts. Sold by mail order, via the website or by prior appointment.
www.eskimokids.co.uk Eskimokids 36 The Mall Clifton Bristol BS8 4DS Telephone: 0117 9466660 Email: enquiries@eskimokids.co.uk Opening Hours: Monday – Friday – 0930 – 1730 Saturday – 0900 -1800 Sunday – closedEskimo Kids is situated in the heart of Clifton Village. On ground level you will find the shop which features children’s clothing (Toby Tiger, Blabla handknits from Peru, Tumble & Dry, and underwear from Dutch designer Claesens), as well as dressing up clothes, books and toys galore to suits all ages, tastes and budgets. There are also essential lifestyle products, such as drink bottles and LittleLife baby carriers. Leading down from the shop is the superb family friendly hairdresser, where your children can have their hair cut in one of the novelty hand crafted seats. Mum and baby pampers are also available, as well as hairstyling classes for mums and daughters. Call or book online.
www.this-little-piggy.co.uk At: The Chiron Centre, 130 Westbury Rd, Westbury-on-Trym, BS9 3AL Claire - 07989 647 775 Sarah - 07851 739 334 www.chironcentre.co.uk (Located on the Westbury-on-Trym/ Henleaze border, plenty of room for buggies, lots of off street parking.)A chance for parents to learn reflexology skills which can help your baby or toddler have a happy, calm & healthy childhood. The first of their kind in Bristol, these classes are informative, interactive and fun.
2010 classes are as follows:
Feb, 4th & 11th March 18th, 25th 1st, 22nd, 29th April 6th, 13th, 20th & 27 May Course dates may change if there are insufficient numbers enrolled. Times - 10.30-12.00pm week 1 & 2 10.30-11.30 week 3Refreshments: Homemade cakes & biscuits will be served along with hot & cold drinks.
Payment: £50. This includes teaching, refreshments and detailed handouts to take home.
A deposit of £20 made payable to This Little Piggy is required to secure a place. The remaining payment of £30 will be paid at the first class. Please send your deposit to This Little Piggy, The Chiron Centre, 130 Westbury Rd, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS9 3AL.
Post-course support
Claire and Sarah will be happy to deal with any reflexology queries you may have once the classes have finished. Please contact either reflexologist via email or mobile phone.
62-64 Whiteladies Rd, Bristol. BS8 2QA Tel: 0117 - 973 8401 Mon-Sat 9:30am-5pm.Coffee shop on second floor of Maskrey’s reached by lift with pleasant outdoor terrace. Good selection of tray bakes and lunchtime snacks, including toasties, sandwiches, no separate children’s menu.
www.caffegusto.com Unit 3, Clifton Down Shopping Centre, Whiteladies Rd, Bristol. BS8 2NNLocal coffee bars selling sandwiches, baguettes and cakes. Fruit smoothies, popular with kids. Other local branches include: St. Michaels Hill, Queens Rd Clifton, Clifton Village, Harbourside, Prince St & Clare St.
www.hmrc.gov.ukSee telephone book for full range of helplines.
Child Benefits -
0845 - 302 1444 - Daily 8am-8pm Textphone: 0845 302 1471Working Tax Credit -
0845 - 300 3900 - Mon-Fri 8am-8pmSelf Assessment -
0845 - 900 0444 - Daily 8am-8pmBristol & North Somerset Area -
Norfolk House, Temple Street, Bristol. BS1 6HS Tel: 0845 - 302 1443 - Mon-Fri 8am-8pm & Sat 9am-4pm.Local office providing help and advice.
www.resolution.org.uk PO Box 302, Orpington, Kent, BR6 8QX Tel: 01689 820 272 Email: info@resolution.org.ukProvides local lists of solicitors who are members of the Association. Promotes non-confrontational resolutions to family problems.
www.spacetrust.org.uk The Assisi Centre, Lawfords Gate, Bristol. BS5 ORE Tel: 0117 907 5355 (Enquiries) Tel: 0117 907 3012 (Outreach / Childrens work) Email: heather@spacetrust.org.ukChristian charity working with families (from all cultures) housed in temporary accommodation. Organises outreach clubs in hostels and finds families free furniture and household goods when rehoused.
www.shelter.org.uk Callicroft House, Rodway Rd, Patchway, Bristol. BS34 5DQ Tel: 0844 515 1705A drop-in and telephone service providing advice and help on housing issues.
www.southbristoladvice.org.uk Leinster House, Leinster Avenue, Knowle, BS4 1NL Tel: 0117 985 1122 - Answerphone out of hours. Minicom: 0117 909 9705Advice, representation, specialist debt and benefit services. Advice points across south Bristol. Home visits for house-bound clients.
www.act.org.uk Brunswick Court, Brunswick Square, Bristol. BS2 8PE Tel: 0117 916 6422 or 0845 108 2201 Email: info@act.org.uk Answerphone out of hours.Information on support services available for families/carers of children with life limiting / life threatening illness. ACT campaigns for the development of children’s palliative care services. Online discussion group.
www.climb.org.uk CLIMB Building, 176 Natwich Rd,Crewe, CW2 6BG Helpline: 0800 652 3181 - Mon-Fri 10am-4pm or 0845 241 2172 Email: info@svcs@climb.org.uk
Children Living with Inherited Metabolic Diseases (CLIMB) provides information to parents, carers and professionals. Local contacts and magazine.
www.steps-charity.org.uk Warrington Lane, Lymm, Cheshire, WA13 OSA Helpline: 0871 717 0044 - Mon-Fri 9:30am-4pm. Admin: 0871 717 0045 Email: info@steps-charity.org.ukAssociation for people with lower limb conditions, which offers information and support with local contacts.
www.reach.org.uk PO Box 54, Helston, TR13 8WD Tel: 0845 130 6225 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) reach@reach.org.ukAssociation for children with hand or arm deficiency. Parent support group offering information and lists of local contacts.
www.pizzaexpress.com 31 Berkeley Square, Bristol. BS8 1HP Tel: 0117 926 0300 Open: Mon-Sat 11:30am-11pm & Sun 11:30am-11pmA firm favourite with families. Smart, lively and comfortable. Added attraction of watching the chefs make the pizzas. Baby changing facilities.
www.nandos.co.uk 49 Park Street, Clifton, Bristol. BS1 5NT Tel:0117 - 929 9236 Open: Sun-Thur 12pm-11:30pm & Fri-Sat 12pm-12am (See below for other local branches).Chicken restaurant serving great hot wings and chips! Children’s menu and vegetarian options available. Children’s meal includes a regular side dish and either a bottomless yoghurt or natural fruit juice lolly. Pack of children’s games provided, including activities and competitions. Bookings only accepted for parties of eight or more.
Unit SU82, Cabot Circus, Bristol. BS1 3BX Tel: 0117 - 376 3876 Aspects Leisure Park, Longwell Green, Bristol. BS15 9LA Tel: 0117 - 967 2631 The Mall, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol. BS34 5UR Tel: 0117 - 959 0146 www.arthritiscare.org.uk 18 Stephenson Way, London, NW1 2HD Helpline: 020 7380 6509 24hr Information Line: 0845 600 68 68Aims to empower people with arthritis to take control of their arthritis and their lives.
www.wecil.co.uk The Vasall Centre, Gill Avenue, Fishponds, Bristol. BS16 2QQ Tel: 0117 903 8900 reception@wecil.co.ukPhone service provided by disabled people, offering free, confidential advice covering all aspects of disability - especially welfare rights, DLA and AA form-filling service.
Parkway Methodist Church, Conduit Place, St Werburghs, BS2 9RU Tel: 0117 935 0205 info@parkwaypcp.orgPlaygroup, creche and parent and toddler sessions. Informal advice and counselling, courses and workshops.
Fulford Family Centre, 237-239 Gatehouse Ave, Withywood, Bristol. BS13 9AQ Tel: 0117 978 2441 fulford.family@barnados.org.ukThursdays 1-3pm.
Informal support group with creche, for black multi-racial families living in Hartcliffe, Withywood, Highridge and Bishopsworth.
www.lifeuk.org 1 Mill Street, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV31 1ES Tel: 0800 915 4600 info@life-charity.org.ukPro-life counselling service for women facing unplanned pregnancy, termination, miscarriage, still birth or infertility.
www.tamba.org.uk 2 The Willows, Gardner Road, Guildford, GU1 4PG. Tel: 01483 304442 Email: enquiries@tamba.org.uk Twinline: 0800 138 0509Information and mutual support network for families of twins, triplets and more, and the professionals involved in their care. Details of local groups can be obtained from the helpline.
Joslyn Bellamy has created the ultimate one-stop shop for everything that you could need to know about part-time jobs for full time Mums.
This online resource, specifically for Mums who want to earn a little extra money or take on a new challenge but are not going to work full-time or be the main breadwinner, is the first of its kind in the UK. Its creator, Joslyn, is a mum of three children and so knows exactly the issues involved in the juggling act of working once you have little ones who you do not want to put in full-time childcare. And you can rest assured as the jobs have all been vetted for their family-friendliness, in terms of fitting in around the children and your other family commitments.
www.birdinhandsaltford.co.uk High Street, Saltford, Bristol, BS31 3EJ 01225 873335 Food served 12-2.30pm, Sunday 12-3.30pm, Evening 6-9.30pmTraditional village inn situated off Bristol to Bath Railway Path
Friendly pub with stunning views over Kelston. Meals can be eaten in the conservatory, lounge bar or garden. There is also a small family area. Large car park available. Nearby, it is fun to take a walk along The Shallows and feed the ducks on the River Avon.
www.dinkyinc.co.uk 138 Whiteladies Rd, BS8 2RS0117 973 0955
Fun and original, high quality baby and kids clothing, toys and accessories.
Excellent Bristol shop with an online arm. Much of the range is sourced from small grass roots companies and some are handmade.
www.the-carpenters-arms.co.uk Stanton Wick, Nr. Pensford, Somerset, BS39 4BX 01761 490202Inn converted from a row of charming miners’ cottages.
Fantastic country inn situated 8 miles south of Bristol. Reputation for fine food. Extensive menu including an interesting children’s menu.
www.forestofavon.org.uk Wickwar, Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire From the A46, the main entrance to Lower Woods is off the road between Hawksebury Upton and Wickwar. You can park at Lower Woods Lodge or in Wickwar, which allows a pleasant walk across open countryside to the reserve.Accessibility: Not suitable for buggies.
Map: Available from Forest of Avon.
A nature reserve owned by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust
This ancient woodland is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and one of England’s largest oak-ash woods on heavy clay soils. The area has been wooded since prehistoric times and, as a result, is very rich in wildlife, including wildflowers, butterflies, dormice and birds. There are three waymarked trails of different lengths (up to two miles), which take you through the woods along paths, ancient grassy trenches and rides. The trails are clearly signposted and free maps are available at the the car park.
www.forestofavon.org.uk Manor Rd, Abbots Leigh, BS8 3RR0117 9532141 From the A369 turn down Manor Road. Car park is 70 metres from the main entrance to the Wood, off Manor Road. The Pool is 250 metres from the car park.
Abbots Pool is a small lake tucked away in Leigh Woods, and is an interesting place to explore.
Maps and information are available from the Forest of Avon (call number above or see website)
Accessibility: Pushchair and wheelchair friendly
Great for: picnics, fishing, bike rides
Surrounding the pool is idyllic mixed woodland, formerly part of the Robinsons Estate, and home to several species of bird such as the Green Woodpecker, Heron, and Kingfisher. The pool is stacked full of Roach and Perch making it a popular venue for youngsters. There are also picnic tables close to the pool.
(m) 07807932206
(e) admin@holidaybuggies.com
Highchairs & travel cots, baby baths & bouncers, toys, nappies, pull-ups and more for hire in South Devon
Orders are delivered to and collected from hotels, guest-houses, holiday parks, caravan sites, and privately rented accommodation.
www.lookingglassphotography.co.uk 07962 440037vixta.b@hotmail.co.uk
Vicki is a mobile photographer, which means that she holds her photographic sessions in your own home bringing all the professional studio equipment and backdrops with her. This, coupled with the fact that Vicki has 11 years experience, makes for a relaxing photograph taking session, rather than the potential of feeling awkward in an unknown environment. She promises a high-quality yet inexpensive photographic service and specialises in family, couple, baby, children and pregnancy photography. Furthermore, there is absolutely NO STUDIO SITTING FEE.
www.yoga-stars.co.uk hello@yoga-stars.co.uk 07976 350564Yoga Training for Kids. Covering Bristol/Bath/South Glos
For thousands of years, yoga has been recognised as having a multitude of benefits for people. Now these benefits are available to children in the form of Yoga Stars. Yoga can improve a child’s self-esteem, confidence, sleep patterns, concentration and memory retention. Traditional yoga postures help keep young bodies flexible, strong and active. Breathing and relaxation techniques help children to learn to control their emotions and boost energy levels.
Yoga has also been proven to aid children with autism, ADHT and learning difficulties. The combination of postures, breathing and deep relaxation will strengthen the child’s nervous system, increase overall health and facilitate the development of body awareness and concentration.
hello@yoga-stars.co.uk 07976 350564
Yoga Training for Kids. Covering Bristol/Bath/South Glos.
Children’s yoga teacher Sarah Claridge brings the ancient art of yoga as a fun and healthy way for your child to celebrate his/her birthday! Features traditional yoga postures developed into specially themed adventures, yoga games, craft activity and an all-important relaxation time! A special gift to birthday child and each child receives a party certificate!
www.burntfish.co.uk helen@burntfish.co.uk 07989 854380Helen is an independent, professional photographer, based in Bristol, and available for both organised groups (eg playgroups, nurseries etc) and individual sittings. She offers a high quality, personal service specialising in fun and informal child, family and pet portraits.
www.nightnannies.com 78 Colston Road, Bristol, BS5 6AD 01179 394845Night Nannies ensures that the first few weeks of motherhood really are spent in a rosy glow rather than a haze of sleeplessness. Your Night Nanny will come to look after your baby overnight, encouraging them to sleep through when they are old enough and enabling you to sleep peacefully, and additionally offering help and advice on breast feeding, weaning and many other babyhood issues. Night Nannies can also teach older babies to overcome bad sleep habits. Each Night Nanny is interviewed by Camilla Rabey who also checks all references and qualifications and ensures you get the perfect night nanny.
Parent review:
“I cannot speak highly enough of the Night Nannies service. From our initial phone enquiry to the ‘night nanny’ who came to our house, the care, professionalism and level of support has been fantastic. Exactly the right level of input was provided to match our needs with absolutely no element of judgement but, instead, it was like having a highly experienced friend by our side. Best of all, when our night nanny left we felt we had the skills, tools and confidence we needed to carry on our parenting journey with much more enjoyment than before - the result, a happy baby and very happy parents!”
www.awaywiththekids.co.uk 320 Manchester Rd, Heaton Chapel, Stockport, SK4 5EA 0161 282 1980 0161 431 0879Looking for a child friendly family holiday? Away with the Kids showcases campsites, hostels, hotels, cottages, castles, VW camper vans, tree-houses, tipis, party houses and all provide the base for a truly family friendly holiday. Take a look… you may be inspired!
www.clairecollins-reflexology.co.uk Chiron Centre, 130 Westbury Rd, W-O-T, BS9 3AL 0117 962 0008 And Neal’s Yard, 126 Whiteladies Rd, Clifton, BS8 2RP 0117 946 6034 0798 964 7775 claire.collins@blueyonder.co.ukReflexology for pregnancy, after birth, babies, and general well-being.
Many women use reflexology during their pregnancies believing it helps optimise their mental as well as physical health and well-being during this period of great change. Reflexology can help with swollen legs and ankles, high blood pressure, nausea, fatigue, poor sleep patterns and more. The growing foetus is thought to benefit from the improved blood circulation of the mother, and it has been found that women who have regular reflexology treatments can have a quicker labour, experience less pain and have less intervention during the birth. Reflexology can also be used to help start labour off naturally. Once the baby is born, reflexology can help boost the mother’s milk supply and balance the hormones; it will also help boost the mother’s energy levels.
On The Beach
Watergate Bay
Cornwall
TR8 4AA
01637 860543
Literally on the beach, this hotel has been highly recommended by our readers as a place to unwind and enjoy family life. There are many activities on hand for all the family to enjoy, as well as great facilities for children (kids club, babysitting etc) when Mum or Dad want some time to themselves. Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall is nearby.
www.tinytearawayz.co.uk Unit 31 Broadwalk Shopping Centre, Knowle, Bristol, BS4 2QU 0117 3702442Soft play area, run by parents for parents.
Tiny Tearawayz is located in the Broadwalk Shopping Centre in Knowle. It is ideal for children of all ages with separate play areas for toddlers and older children, as well as a café. Tiny Tearawayz also caters for birthday parties.
www.flyingsaucers.co.uk 9 Byron PlaceBristol, BS8 1JT
0117 927 3666 Mon - pre-booked schools and groups only, Tues- Sat - 11am - 6pm, Sun - 11am - 5pm
Friendly and fun painting pottery cafe just off Clifton Triangle.
Whether you are wanting to capture your baby’s foot or handprints, or release your child’s (and your own) inner artist, you will not be disappointed with a trip to Flying Saucers Painting Pottery Cafe. With over 100 items to choose from, a nice menu of drinks and snacks, and friendly, helpful staff, it is a great addition to Bristol. Every Tuesday is Toddler Tuesday, so go along with your pre-schooler or baby, and receive 10% off and a free coffee for you! Also available for parties.
Toddler group for children aged 2-3 yrs, plus their carer. Offers a bible story, craft activity and story. Numbers limited, please call for a place. £1.50 per session.
Tots Time, St Christopher’s Hall, Hampstead Road, BS4 3HW Tel: 0117 - 977 2016 Mon 9:30am-11:30amPopular group for children aged 0-3yrs. Lots of craft actvitity tables, dressing-up and books. Refreshments served mid-morning, followed by singing and then ride-on toys, trucks and parachute fun. Please ring for place.
The Old School Rooms, Stoke Gifford, BS34 8PD 01454 777450, Mini-Art@kcit.co.uk Tuesday and Friday morning from 10.15-11.00. Suitable Age 18 months to 5years £4 per session.Arts, crafts and messy play group for toddlers, preschoolers and their carers.
Each week there is a theme with crafts based around this. Also, lots of free play, painting, sand, water, playdough, cutting, sticking and much more.
Cairns Rd Cafe with Toddler Zone, Cairns Rd Baptist Church, Cairns Road, Westbury Park, Bristol. BS6 7TH Tel: 0117 - 942 5669 (Church Office) Mon/Wed/Fri 9am-2pm, reduced hours in holidays.Free soft play in large hall. Plenty of toys and a cafe with drinks and food, excellent toddler lunches. Can be crowded but no booking required.
14 Narrow Quay, BS1 4QA 0117 929 1696 Mon-Fri 8am-4pm, Sat & Sun 8-5pm
www.ferrystation.co.uk Narrow Quay, BS1 4QA 0117 3763942 Mon-Tue 8am-4pm, Wed-Thu 8am-6pm, Fri 8am-11pm, Sat 10am-11pm, Sun 10am-6pm
Idyllically situated, ethically minded café serving a fine range of hot and cold drinks, soups, salads, hot meals, light snacks and tasty cakes. Organic and locally sourced ingredients are used wherever possible. Outdoor and indoor seating.
0117 917 2305
Daily 10am-11pm (Sun 10.30pm)
Full Menu served: Mon-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-10pm
www.piratewalks.co.uk Tel: 07950 566 483
For great family fun, why not join Pirate Pete for a walking tour around Bristol’s harbourside. The tours last about one hour and involve a fascinating talk on the history of pirates in Bristol. Great fun for adults and children! Tours start at @Bristol in Millennium Square every Saturday and Sunday at 2pm throughout the year. Phone or see website for further details.
www.theclimbingacademy.com The Climbing Academy, Charlton Street, Bristol. BS5 OFD Tel: 0117 - 907 2956 Open: 12pm-10pm weekdays and 10am-6pm weekends.For a great family day out, why not visit ‘The Climbing Academy’ in Bristol. The academy features ‘Bouldering’, which is a form of rock climbing which is performed at a lower level over crash mats. Great for adults and children!
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