Family Hubs host free art workshops for parents

Parents and carers are being invited to join a series of free art workshops taking place at Wolverhampton's eight Family Hubs.

The Creative Communities Wolverhampton project gives people the opportunity to express themselves through art while meeting other parents and getting to know their local Family Hub.

The weekly sessions are free and are led by a community artist and community ambassador, using objects and artworks from the city's galleries as inspiration.

Children are welcome to join in, and participants will have the chance to create a display and have a celebration event at the end of the project.

Penelope Thomas, Programmes Manager for the City of Wolverhampton Council's Arts and Culture service, said: "The Creative Communities Wolverhampton project is a great chance for parents and carers to connect with others as they explore their creative side in a relaxed and friendly environment and with the help and support of local community artists.

"It's free to take part, and we'd love to hear from parents and carers who want to get stuck in with some art in a relaxed, family-friendly space. We’re also looking for volunteers who can support the sessions to provide that important warm welcome to participants."

Sessions continue on Wednesdays at Rocket Pool Family Hub until 19 June, Graiseley Family Hub on Fridays until 28 June, Low Hill Family Hub on Fridays until 28 June, Dove Family Hub on Tuesdays until 30 July, Whitmore Reans Family Hub on Thursdays until 1 August and Children's Village Family Hub on Mondays until 12 August. Sessions will take place at Eastfield Family Hub on Mondays from 24 June to 30 September and Bingley Family Hub on Tuesdays from 25 June to 15 October.

For more details, please text or call 07773 187241 or email artsheritagelearning@wolverhampton.gov.uk.

The Creative Communities Wolverhampton project runs until December and is part of AIM Connected Communities, funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Know Your Neighbourhood Fund through Arts Council England.

The city's eight Family Hubs offer 'one stop shops' where families and parents-to-be can get advice and guidance on a range of matters to support them through pregnancy and beyond, including birth registrations, infant feeding, stay and play sessions, mental health and wellbeing, health visiting support and parenting classes.

They support families with children to the age of 18, or 25 for young people with special educational needs and disabilities, and also provide a wide range of other services including help and advice on benefits and welfare rights, getting into work, relationship building and adult education. For more details, please visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/familyhubs.