Coalfield Best Start Family Hub
Hetton Centre, Welfare Road, Hetton-Le-Hole, DH5 9NE
0191 561 6625

Coalfield is our Best Start Family Hub based within the Hetton Centre in Hetton. It’s a friendly, easy-to-reach hub where you and your family can get support, connect with services and join in activities from pregnancy right through to age 19 (or up to 25 for young people with SEND). The hub can be found in the building behind the Everyone Active swimming pool.
From play sessions and sensory room time to breastfeeding support and more, there’s lots happening in our latest timetable.
Coalfield Timetable 7th September – 23rd October 2026
Easy to find and fully accessible
We’re close to local bus routes and offer free parking on site. The hub has widened automatic doors, spacious rooms, accessible toilets, baby change facilities and disabled parking.
Free activities, guidance and practical support
At Coalfield Best Start Family Hub, we’re here to support your family’s health and wellbeing from pregnancy right through your child’s early years. Our Healthy Babies programme offers free guidance during pregnancy and throughout your baby’s first two years, giving you confidence, reassurance and practical help when you need it most.
You can access a range of health services and advice at the hub with the support of our NHS partners, including baby and child health checks, weaning and nutrition guidance, and support from local health visitors and midwives. You can even register your baby’s birth right here.
There’s always plenty for families to get involved in, all completely free. Bring your children along to fun play sessions and hands-on activities where you can bond and learn together through sensory play, stories, music, messy play and more. Every weekday there’s something happening, including breastfeeding groups, free play sessions, pregnancy and post-natal yoga, sensory room, drop-ins, courses and meet-ups for young parents. If you’re a local childminder, we also run a dedicated session just for you.
Alongside our family-focused sessions, we offer practical life advice such as welfare rights guidance, job and employment support, stop-smoking help and more.
There is also an independent café within the Hetton Centre, and our hub is a warm, welcoming space where everyone can join in.
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Want a peek inside? Take a look at our video all about our Coalfield Best Start Family Hub and hear from the families who love it!
Explore our offer
Saturday
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Sunday
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Monday
Busy BodiesA music and movement session to work on physical skills, experience free movement to support growth and development. more about 'Busy Bodies'Coalfield Family Hub, Welfare Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9NEMonday 1:15 pm to 2:00 pm Excluding 7th September FreeSave Busy Bodies (Coalfield Family Hub) to favourites
Move to RhymeMove to rhyme (crawling to pre walkers) is an interactive session for mobile babies and their parents / carers. Sessions… more about 'Move to Rhyme'Coalfield Family Hub, Welfare Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9NEMonday 11:00 am to 11:45 am Excluding 7th SeptemberFreeSave Move to Rhyme (Coalfield Family Hub) to favourites
Review and Development Clinic (appointment only)Review and development clinics within Sunderland. All are appointment only clinic which are bookable via a HV or our Duty… more about 'Review and Development Clinic (appointment only)'Coalfield Family Hub, Welfare Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9NEMonday 10:00 am to 11:30 amFreeSave Review and Development Clinic (appointment only) (Coalfield Family Hub) to favourites
Sensory RoomCome along and enjoy our free sensory room (30 minute session) to help engage and develop your child’s senses. This… more about 'Sensory Room'Coalfield Family Hub, Welfare Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9NEMonday to Friday various times FreeSave Sensory Room (Coalfield Family Hub) to favourites
Super communicatorsSuper Communicator Stay & Play – This is a dedicated group to help develop speech and language skills from age… more about 'Super communicators'Coalfield Family Hub, Welfare Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9NETerm Time Only Monday 10:00 am to 10:45 amFreeSave Super communicators (Coalfield Family Hub) to favourites
Time for Rhyme0 to pre crawling Time for Rhyme is an interactive session for babies and their parents / carers. Sessions are… more about 'Time for Rhyme'Coalfield Family Hub, Welfare Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9NEExcludes 7th September Monday 09:30 am to 10:15 amFreeSave Time for Rhyme (Coalfield Family Hub) to favourites
Young Mam’s and Dad’sParents aged 22 or under A dedicated friendly group for parents aged between 14 years and 22 years old, to… more about 'Young Mam’s and Dad’s'Coalfield Family Hub, Welfare Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9NEMonday 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm FreeSave Young Mam’s and Dad’s (Coalfield Family Hub) to favouritesTuesday
ABC (Achieving Better Connections) for parents of children aged 3-16 yearsAchieving Better Connections (ABC) Parent Support Build stronger family relationships and support your child to thrive for parents of children… more about 'ABC (Achieving Better Connections) for parents of children aged 3-16 years'Coalfield Family Hub, Welfare Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9NEStarts 15th September Tuesday 9:30 - 11:30 am FreeSave ABC (Achieving Better Connections) for parents of children aged 3-16 years (Coalfield Family Hub) to favourites
Baby Sensory (Houghton Library)This group is aimed at parents of children under the age of one year old, the session encourages babies to… more about 'Baby Sensory (Houghton Library)'Houghton Library, 74 Newbottle St, Houghton le Spring DH4 4AFStarts 8th September Tuesday 10:15 to 11:00 amFreeSave Baby Sensory (Houghton Library) (Houghton Library) to favourites
GroBrainPlease join us for four weeks of relaxed and supportive sessions which help you build a strong, loving connection with… more about 'GroBrain'Coalfield Family Hub, Welfare Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9NETuesday 12:45 pm to 2:45 pmFreeSave GroBrain (Coalfield Family Hub) to favourites
Play Space and Sensory RoomSuitable for children under 5 years. Free parent led session, where parents are encouraged to play and interact with your… more about 'Play Space and Sensory Room'Coalfield Family Hub, Welfare Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9NETuesday 10:30 am to 11:30 amFreeSave Play Space and Sensory Room (Coalfield Family Hub) to favourites
Sensory RoomCome along and enjoy our free sensory room (30 minute session) to help engage and develop your child’s senses. This… more about 'Sensory Room'Coalfield Family Hub, Welfare Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9NEMonday to Friday various times FreeSave Sensory Room (Coalfield Family Hub) to favourites
TEAMS ABC (Achieving Better Connections) for parents of children aged 3-16 yearsAchieving Better Connections (ABC) Parent Support Build stronger family relationships and support your child to thrive for parents of children… more about 'TEAMS ABC (Achieving Better Connections) for parents of children aged 3-16 years'Coalfield Family Hub, Welfare Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9NEStarts 15th September Tuesday 12:45 to 2:45 pm or Wednesday 5.:00 to 7:00 pmFreeSave TEAMS ABC (Achieving Better Connections) for parents of children aged 3-16 years (Coalfield Family Hub) to favourites
Time for Rhyme0 to pre crawling Time for Rhyme is an interactive session for babies and their parents / carers. Sessions are… more about 'Time for Rhyme'Coalfield Family Hub, Welfare Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9NEStarts 8th September Tuesday 1:00 to 1:45 pmFreeSave Time for Rhyme (Coalfield Family Hub) to favourites
Tobacco Dependency Treatment ServiceThe Tobacco Dependence Service is an NHS service which provides a weekly clinic at Family Hubs for pregnant people who… more about 'Tobacco Dependency Treatment Service'Thorney Close Family Hub, Thorney Close, Sunderland, SR3 4JQTuesday 09:00 am to 4:00 pmFreeSave Tobacco Dependency Treatment Service (Thorney Close Family Hub) to favouritesWednesday
Baby MassageBookable course 5 weeks space4.hub@gmail.com Baby Massage Course, suitable for babies from 6 weeks, baby massage is when a parent… more about 'Baby Massage'Space 4, Houghton Library, 74 Newbottle St, Houghton le Spring DH4 4AFWednesday 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm FreeSave Baby Massage (Space 4) to favourites
Baby SignSuitable for babies aged 6 months to 12 months – Bookable – 10 babies – Description – Baby sign is… more about 'Baby Sign'Coalfield Family Hub, Welfare Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9NEStarts 16th September Wednesday 3:00 to 3:45 pm FreeSave Baby Sign (Coalfield Family Hub) to favourites
Birth RegistrationPlease book via Sunderland City Council website. Register a birth, a new born baby must be registered within 42 days… more about 'Birth Registration'Coalfield Family Hub, Welfare Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9NEWednesday 09:00 am to 12:00 noon FreeSave Birth Registration (Coalfield Family Hub) to favourites
Childminder NetworkAre you a registered childminder and would like to attend the childminder network with your childminded children? Please contact the… more about 'Childminder Network'Coalfield Family Hub, Welfare Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9NETerm time only Wednesday 09:30 am to 11:30 am FreeSave Childminder Network (Coalfield Family Hub) to favourites
Family Voice (Teams)Help design, shape and evaluate family services based on your experiences of raising children in Sunderland. Attend a monthly meeting… more about 'Family Voice (Teams)'Coalfield Family Hub, Welfare Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9NEWednesday 23rd September 6 to 7.30 pmSave Family Voice (Teams) (Coalfield Family Hub) to favourites
Introducing Solid FoodAre you ready to start your baby on solid foods but unsure where to begin? Join us at one of… more about 'Introducing Solid Food'Coalfield Family Hub, Welfare Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9NE26th August, 30th September 1:00 pm to 2:00 pmFreeSave Introducing Solid Food (Coalfield Family Hub) to favourites
Sensory RoomCome along and enjoy our free sensory room (30 minute session) to help engage and develop your child’s senses. This… more about 'Sensory Room'Coalfield Family Hub, Welfare Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9NEMonday to Friday various times FreeSave Sensory Room (Coalfield Family Hub) to favourites
TEAMS ABC (Achieving Better Connections) for parents of children aged 0-3 yearsAchieving Better Connections (ABC) Parent Support Build stronger family relationships and support your child to thrive for parents of children… more about 'TEAMS ABC (Achieving Better Connections) for parents of children aged 0-3 years'Coalfield Family Hub, Welfare Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9NEStarts 16th September Wednesday 9:30 - 11:30 am FreeSave TEAMS ABC (Achieving Better Connections) for parents of children aged 0-3 years (Coalfield Family Hub) to favourites
TEAMS ABC (Achieving Better Connections) for parents of children aged 3-16 yearsAchieving Better Connections (ABC) Parent Support Build stronger family relationships and support your child to thrive for parents of children… more about 'TEAMS ABC (Achieving Better Connections) for parents of children aged 3-16 years'Coalfield Family Hub, Welfare Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9NEStarts 15th September Tuesday 12:45 to 2:45 pm or Wednesday 5.:00 to 7:00 pmFreeSave TEAMS ABC (Achieving Better Connections) for parents of children aged 3-16 years (Coalfield Family Hub) to favouritesThursday
Antenatal Parent ProgrammeOur 5 week antenatal course is run by experienced health visitors, midwives and infant feeding experts and can be booked… more about 'Antenatal Parent Programme'Coalfield Family Hub, Welfare Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9NEThursday 3:45 pm to 5:45 pm FreeSave Antenatal Parent Programme (Coalfield Family Hub) to favourites
Busy Bodies @ Penshaw CAJoin us at Penshaw Community Association for a music and movement session to work on physical skills, experience free movement… more about 'Busy Bodies @ Penshaw CA'Penshaw Community Centre, Wensleydale Ave, Houghton Le Spring, DH4 7PDStarts 30th July Thursday 10:15 am to 11:00 am FreeSave Busy Bodies @ Penshaw CA (Penshaw Community Centre) to favourites
Play Space and Sensory RoomFree parent led session, where parents are encouraged to play and interact with your child/ren in a friendly environment. more about 'Play Space and Sensory Room'Coalfield Family Hub, Welfare Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9NEThursday and Friday 09:30 am to 11:30 amFreeSave Play Space and Sensory Room (Coalfield Family Hub) to favourites
Stay and PlayCome along and have fun with your child whilst socialising with parents. Each week we will have a focus for… more about 'Stay and Play'Coalfield Family Hub, Welfare Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9NEStarts 10th September Thursday 1:00 to 2:00 pm FreeSave Stay and Play (Coalfield Family Hub) to favourites
Stop Smoking SupportAre you worried about how smoking is affecting your health and your families? Are you thinking of stopping smoking? Join… more about 'Stop Smoking Support'Coalfield Family Hub, Welfare Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9NEThursday 08:00 am to 9:00 am FreeSave Stop Smoking Support (Coalfield Family Hub) to favourites
Story TimeStory Time is an interactive story session where children aged 0 – 5 years and their parents can explore imaginative… more about 'Story Time'Coalfield Family Hub, Welfare Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9NEStarts 10th September Thursday 3:00 to 3:45 pmFreeSave Story Time (Coalfield Family Hub) to favourites
Toy Loan CompanyWe are a toy library service, a family run business inspired by our two young children. Family Hub Membership Required. … more about 'Toy Loan Company'Coalfield Family Hub, Welfare Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9NEStarting 30th July Thursday 10:00 am to 11.30 am Contact for more information Save Toy Loan Company (Coalfield Family Hub) to favourites
Welfare RightsReferral only speak to the family hub or Sunderland City Council Welfare Rights Service – Welfare right service offers and gives… more about 'Welfare Rights'Coalfield Family Hub, Welfare Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9NEThursday 09:00 am to 12:00 am FreeSave Welfare Rights (Coalfield Family Hub) to favouritesFriday
Baby MassageBaby Massage Course, suitable for babies from 6 weeks, baby massage is when a parent or primary carer lovingly strokes… more about 'Baby Massage'Coalfield Family Hub, Welfare Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9NEFriday 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm FreeSave Baby Massage (Coalfield Family Hub) to favourites
Buggy WalkEnjoy a relaxed buggy walk, get your steps in, and take time to chat and connect with other parents and… more about 'Buggy Walk'Coalfield Family Hub, Welfare Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9NEStarts 11th September Friday 12:30 to 1:30 pmFreeSave Buggy Walk (Coalfield Family Hub) to favourites
Family VoiceHelp design, shape and evaluate family services based on your experiences of raising children in Sunderland. Attend a monthly meeting… more about 'Family Voice'Coalfield Family Hub, Welfare Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9NE25th September and 23rd October – 10.45 am – 12.15 pmFreeSave Family Voice (Coalfield Family Hub) to favourites
Growing HealthySuitable for babies under 2 years old. Do you have a baby and would like to meet others with children of… more about 'Growing Healthy'Coalfield Family Hub, Welfare Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9NEFriday 10:00 am to 11:30 am FreeSave Growing Healthy (Coalfield Family Hub) to favourites
Play Space and Sensory RoomFree parent led session, where parents are encouraged to play and interact with your child/ren in a friendly environment. more about 'Play Space and Sensory Room'Coalfield Family Hub, Welfare Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9NEThursday and Friday 09:30 am to 11:30 amFreeSave Play Space and Sensory Room (Coalfield Family Hub) to favourites
Sensory RoomCome along and enjoy our free sensory room (30 minute session) to help engage and develop your child’s senses. This… more about 'Sensory Room'Coalfield Family Hub, Welfare Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9NEMonday to Friday various times FreeSave Sensory Room (Coalfield Family Hub) to favourites
Story Time and Crafts @ SHARPJoin us at SHARP for a Story Time interactive story session where children aged 18 months to 3 years and… more about 'Story Time and Crafts @ SHARP'ShARP, 17 Beatrice Terrace, Shiney Row, Houghton le Spring, DH4 4QWFriday 10:00 am to 10:45 amFreeSave Story Time and Crafts @ SHARP (ShARP) to favourites