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.

Charlotte 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.

Eskimo 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. 

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:

Refreshments: 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. 

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.

Local 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.

See telephone book for full range of helplines.

Child Benefits -

Working Tax Credit -

Self Assessment -

Bristol & North Somerset Area -

Local office providing help and advice.

Provides local lists of solicitors who are members of the Association. Promotes non-confrontational resolutions to family problems.

Christian 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.