I have lived in this area for almost thirty-one years and still I find new places to explore. Looking after my granddaughter has meant discovering a whole host of new playgroups and children’s activities in the area and it’s so good to know there are so many people serving the community.

The family centre in Bolton-on-Dearne offers playgroups on Tuesday and Friday mornings (the Tuesday morning is from birth to twelve months and the Friday morning is for toddlers) as well as help and advice with breastfeeding (first Tuesday of every month) and runs different specialist courses for Mums-to-be and new Mums (baby massage, baby yoga etc. as well as first aid courses.) Such things can be a great way of connecting with other parents and children.

Kiddy Winx on Thurnscoe Business Park (just off Fields End Roundabout) is a play area and cafe for under 5s which offers great food, two safe areas and also hosts a variety of activities, including Barnsley Music Bugs on Thursday mornings, a fantastic group introducing babies and toddlers to music, instruments and sensory learning.

Sensory Planet on the Thurnscoe Industrial Estate (Princess Drive) is a play area with a difference, suitable for babies and toddlers, but specifically geared to children with special needs such as autism who benefit from the tactile environment and range of sensory toys and equipment. This high-quality area gives people a safe place to go and is an invaluable resource in our area.

People often say there is little for people to do in our communities, but I’ve found a wealth of community-based activities. The local libraries at Goldthorpe and Thurnscoe are a great starting point for finding out what groups are available (art classes, sewing classes, woodwork classes, photography club, choirs and so on) and also offer Story & Rhyme sessions for little ones, and Dearneside Leisure Centre offers a range of activities for all ages.There really is an awful lot going on in our communities and it’s good to support the different groups who work tirelessly to make our communities great places to live. Thank you!