Welcome to the new Family Connect website

Family Connect is a free, confidential service providing, impartial advice, information, guidance and support on a full range of children's services available across the borough including childcare, activities, school admissions and finance.

Family Connect aims to ensure that families are getting the right help at the right time.

Accident prevention

Common accidents that affect young children

Common hazards in your home 

Advice about keeping kids safe - RoSPA

 

A picture of a small child in roller skates wearing a lot of safety and protective gear to skate in

RoSPA provide advice to help keep you and your family safe, whether at home, at work, at play or on the road:

 

Season safety

RoSPA is committed to keeping you safe, whether it is spring, summer, autumn or winter, they have provided safety advice so you can enjoy all the seasons to the full:

Unsafe foods for children - choking hazards

 

  • An image of a bunch of grapes and some sliced in half
    Hotdogs
    Hot dogs are one of the most common foods that children choke on. To minimize risk, cut them lengthwise and then chop them up into very small, irregular shapes.
  • Carrots
    To make carrots a little safer, finely shred them, or cook them until they are a mushy consistency throughout.
  • Apples
    Apples, along with other firm fruits, should be chopped into very small, manageable pieces, or cooked until mushy throughout.
  • Grapes
    Grapes should always be cut in half before you give them to your young child. If the grapes have seeds, make sure to remove them as well.
  • Nuts
    The size and shape of nuts make them very dangerous for young children to consume whole, and should be avoided.
  • Peanut butter
    A large dollop of peanut butter can be hard for kids to swallow all at once. The safest way to eat it is to spread a thin layer on crackers or bread. It's also a good idea to serve it with something to drink. 
  • Marshmallows
    Soft foods like this can easily get lodged in your little one's throat. It's best to avoid giving marshmallows to young children.
  • Chewing gum and hard sweets
    It is best to avoid giving young children any chewing gum or hard sweets. Children can inhale the sweets or chewing gum if they laugh, take a deep breath, or try to swallow it whole.
  • Popcorn
    The size and shape of popcorn make it a very easy food to choke on. It is best to avoid giving it to young children.

Sun safety for babies and children

Parenting support and advice

Get in touch

Getting the right help at the right time - contact Family Connect now!

Online enquiry form

 

Helping a choking baby

Dealing with cuts/grazes

Dealing with burns/scalds