Rainbow Best Start Family Hub
Elliott Terrace, Washington, Tyne and Wear, NE37 3AE
0191 561 3995
Rainbow is our Best Start Family Hub in Washington, based at Elliott Terrace. It’s a welcoming, easy-to-reach place where families can get support, connect with local services, and join in free fun, friendly activities from pregnancy right through to age 19 (or up to 25 for young people with SEND).
There’s always lots happening, check our latest timetable for the latest activities, events, courses and support services.
Rainbow Timetable 7th September – 23rd October 2026
Rainbow Half-term Timetable 26th – 30th October 2026
Easy to find and fully accessible
Located in the heart of Washington, the hub is close to local bus routes and has onsite and nearby free parking. Inside, you’ll find accessible entrances, spacious rooms, accessible toilets, baby-change facilities and a warm, inclusive atmosphere for all families.
Free activities, guidance, practical support and health advice
At Rainbow Best Start Family Hub, we’re here to support you through pregnancy, birth, and your child’s early years. Our Healthy Babies programme offers free guidance throughout pregnancy and during your baby’s first two years, providing reassurance and confidence when you need it most.
Families can take part in a wide range of free sessions and support. These include play sessions and dedicated sensory room time, as well as hub‑led interactive activities that focus on development and bonding through play, music, stories, messy play and sensory experiences. We offer supportive breastfeeding and infant‑feeding classes, alongside a variety of baby activities, drop‑ins, courses, groups and SEND‑friendly sessions. You can also relax and connect with others in our community café, run by our hub volunteers.
In addition to family activities, Rainbow provides practical life advice such as welfare rights support, employment and job‑seeking guidance, stop‑smoking support, and health information for both adults and children, delivered in partnership with the NHS. You can also register a birth at the hub, attend antenatal classes with midwives, and access a wide range of other services. Our hub is a genuinely welcoming space where everyone belongs.
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Explore our offer
Thursday
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'Rainbow Family Hub, Washington, NE37 3AEDaily 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm FreeSave Play Space and Sensory Room (Rainbow Family Hub) to favouritesStay and Play (Sulgrave flats)Come along, stay and play to find out what our family hubs offer in your community! Each week we will… more about 'Stay and Play (Sulgrave flats)'Marlborough Park Games and Leisure, 66A Collingwood Court, Washington, NE37 3EDStarts 12th November Thursday 09:15 am to 10:15 am FreeSave Stay and Play (Sulgrave flats) (Marlborough Park Games and Leisure) to favouritesThe Bread and Butter ThingThe Bread and Butter Thing offers weekly groceries at a fraction of high street prices at our Washington Hub (Rainbow… more about 'The Bread and Butter Thing'Rainbow Family Hub, Washington, NE37 3AEThursday 2:00 pmBetween £5 and £17, depending on size of order.Save The Bread and Butter Thing (Rainbow Family Hub) to favouritesFriday
Baby Pumpkin Stay and PlayBaby Pumpkin stay and play is a group aimed at parents of children 0 – 1, stay and play encourages babies… more about 'Baby Pumpkin Stay and Play'Rainbow Family Hub, Washington, NE37 3AE30 October Friday 1:30 pm to 2:30 pmFreeSave Baby Pumpkin Stay and Play (Rainbow Family Hub) to favouritesDaisy Chain Multi-Agency Drop InsDo you live within the Sunderland local authority? Do you have concerns that your child, who is 0-18 years of… more about 'Daisy Chain Multi-Agency Drop Ins'Rainbow Family Hub, Washington, NE37 3AEFriday 10:00 am to 12:00 noon 25th September and 23rd OctoberFreeSave Daisy Chain Multi-Agency Drop Ins (Rainbow Family Hub) to favouritesOutdoor Play (Building Blocks)Outdoor play session held at building blocks designed to promote physical activity, exploration, and social interaction. more about 'Outdoor Play (Building Blocks)'Building Blocks, 20 Victoria RoadFriday 09:30 am to 10:30 amFreeSave Outdoor Play (Building Blocks) (Building Blocks) to favouritesPlay 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'Rainbow Family Hub, Washington, NE37 3AEMonday, Tuesday and Friday 09:00 am to 11:30 am FreeSave Play Space and Sensory Room (Rainbow Family Hub) to favouritesPlay 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'Rainbow Family Hub, Washington, NE37 3AEDaily 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm FreeSave Play Space and Sensory Room (Rainbow Family Hub) to favouritesSaturday
Dad’s and Little’uns North East Young Dads & LadsStay and play is available once a month 1st August. Delivered by North East Young Dads & Lads support workers,… more about 'Dad’s and Little’uns North East Young Dads & Lads'Rainbow Family Hub, Washington, NE37 3AE1st August Saturday 10:00 am to 11:30 amFreeSave Dad’s and Little’uns North East Young Dads & Lads (Rainbow Family Hub) to favouritesSaturday Session Ha’way the Dad’s (all welcome)Ha’way the dads a weekly session, while the session is open to everyone, there’ll be extra space for dads, male… more about 'Saturday Session Ha’way the Dad’s (all welcome)'Thorney Close Family Hub, Thorney Close, Sunderland, SR3 4JQStarts Saturday 7th November 09:30 am - 11:00 amFreeSave Saturday Session Ha’way the Dad’s (all welcome) (Thorney Close Family Hub) to favouritesSunday
We currently have no activities or events taking place on a Sunday. Please change the filter above or view everything.
Monday
Breastfeeding SupportCome and join us at one of our breastfeeding groups to chat, share experiences and advice about your breastfeeding journey… more about 'Breastfeeding Support'Rainbow Family Hub, Washington, NE37 3AEMonday 1:00 pm to 3:00 pmFreeSave Breastfeeding Support (Rainbow Family Hub) to favouritesDaisy Chain Peer Support Coffee MorningDo you live within the Sunderland local authority? Do you have concerns that your child, who is 0-18 years of… more about 'Daisy Chain Peer Support Coffee Morning'Rainbow Family Hub, Washington, NE37 3AEStarts 7th September Monday 10:00 am to 12:00 noonFreeSave Daisy Chain Peer Support Coffee Morning (Rainbow Family Hub) to favouritesPlay 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'Rainbow Family Hub, Washington, NE37 3AEMonday, Tuesday and Friday 09:00 am to 11:30 am FreeSave Play Space and Sensory Room (Rainbow Family Hub) to favouritesPlay 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'Rainbow Family Hub, Washington, NE37 3AEDaily 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm FreeSave Play Space and Sensory Room (Rainbow Family Hub) to favouritesTinsel Trail Buggy WalkWalk in a Winter Wonderland with us! 🎄 Join us for our festive Buggy Walk, optional photoshoot and a hot… more about 'Tinsel Trail Buggy Walk'Rainbow Family Hub, Washington, NE37 3AE30th November Monday 12:30 pm - 1:30 pmFreeSave Tinsel Trail Buggy Walk (Rainbow Family Hub) to favouritesTuesday
Register to secure your place in the next classAntenatal GroBrainPlease join us for four weeks of relaxed and supportive sessions which help you build a strong, loving connection with… more about 'Antenatal GroBrain'Rainbow Family Hub, Washington, NE37 3AE3rd November Tuesday 3:45 pm to 5:15 pmFreeSave Antenatal GroBrain (Rainbow Family Hub) to favouritesAntenatal 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'Rainbow Family Hub, Washington, NE37 3AETuesday 3:45 pm to 5:45 pm FreeSave Antenatal Parent Programme (Rainbow Family Hub) to favouritesRegister your interest for the next classBaby MassageYou will be contacted when the next course is available. Baby Massage Course, suitable for babies from 6 weeks, baby… more about 'Baby Massage'Rainbow Family Hub, Washington, NE37 3AE17th November Tuesday 1:30 pm to 2:30 pmFreeSave Baby Massage (Rainbow Family Hub) to favouritesBaby Week 2026 at Culture HouseJoin our FREE drop in event to mark Baby Week 2026, suitable for expectant parents and families with children aged… more about 'Baby Week 2026 at Culture House'Culture House, Culture House, High St W, Sunderland SR1 3DZTuesday 17th November 10-12FreeSave Baby Week 2026 at Culture House (Culture House) to favouritesFootball North East Young Dads & LadsDelivered by North East Young Dads & Lads support workers, it’s an opportunity for Young Dads in Sunderland, under the… more about 'Football North East Young Dads & Lads'Galleries Health Centre, Washington Highway, Washington, NE38 7NQTuesday alternate weeks 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm FreeSave Football North East Young Dads & Lads (Galleries Health Centre) to favouritesPlay 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'Rainbow Family Hub, Washington, NE37 3AEMonday, Tuesday and Friday 09:00 am to 11:30 am FreeSave Play Space and Sensory Room (Rainbow Family Hub) to favouritesPlay 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'Rainbow Family Hub, Washington, NE37 3AEDaily 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm FreeSave Play Space and Sensory Room (Rainbow Family Hub) to favouritesRainbow Community CaféRainbow Family Hub is running a community café, join our volunteers for a cup of tea, coffee or toast. Contributions… more about 'Rainbow Community Café'Rainbow Family Hub, Washington, NE37 3AETuesday 09:30 am to 11:30 amFreeSave Rainbow Community Café (Rainbow Family Hub) to favouritesSuper communicatorsSuper Communicator Stay & Play – This is a dedicated group to help develop speech and language skills from age… more about 'Super communicators'Rainbow Family Hub, Washington, NE37 3AETerm Time Only Tuesday 1:15 pm to 2:00 pmFreeSave Super communicators (Rainbow Family Hub) to favouritesTEAMS 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'Rainbow Family Hub, Washington, NE37 3AEStarts 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 (Rainbow Family Hub) to favouritesWednesday
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'Rainbow Family Hub, Washington, NE37 3AEStarts 16th September Wednesday 9:30 - 11:30 am FreeSave ABC (Achieving Better Connections) for parents of children aged 3-16 years (Rainbow Family Hub) to favouritesFully BookedBoo-Nes Park*Fully Booked* Get ready for a spooky adventure at Boo-nes Park Spooktacular Trail – an exciting event full of thrills… more about 'Boo-Nes Park'Barnes Park, 7 Barnes Park Road, Sunderland, SR4 7PYWednesday 28th October between 11:00 am and 2 pm FreeSave Boo-Nes Park (Barnes Park) to favouritesDad Only Drop in North East Young Dads and LadsDelivered by North East Young Dads & Lads support workers, young dads only drop in, soft drinks and snacks and… more about 'Dad Only Drop in North East Young Dads and Lads'Rainbow Family Hub, Washington, NE37 3AEWednesday 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm FreeSave Dad Only Drop in North East Young Dads and Lads (Rainbow Family Hub) to favouritesRegister to secure your place in the next classGroBrainPlease join us for four weeks of relaxed and supportive sessions which help you build a strong, loving connection with… more about 'GroBrain'Rainbow Family Hub, Washington, NE37 3AEWednesday 12:45 to 2:45 pmFreeSave GroBrain (Rainbow Family Hub) to favouritesPlay 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'Rainbow Family Hub, Washington, NE37 3AEDaily 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm FreeSave Play Space and Sensory Room (Rainbow Family Hub) to favouritesReview 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)'Rainbow Family Hub, Washington, NE37 3AEWednesday 10:00 am to 11:30 amFreeSave Review and Development Clinic (appointment only) (Rainbow Family Hub) to favouritesSing and SplashSing and Splash Sunderland Families only 4 – 18 months Fun, interactive session with songs in the water. Helps build… more about 'Sing and Splash'Washington Leisure Centre, New Town, Washington, NE38 7SSWednesdays term time 12:00 am to 12:40 am£2Save Sing and Splash (Washington Leisure Centre) to favouritesTEAMS 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'Rainbow Family Hub, Washington, NE37 3AEStarts 16th September Wednesday 9:30 - 11:30 am FreeSave TEAMS ABC (Achieving Better Connections) for parents of children aged 0-3 years (Rainbow Family Hub) to favouritesTEAMS 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'Rainbow Family Hub, Washington, NE37 3AEStarts 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 (Rainbow Family Hub) to favouritesWelfare RightsReferral only speak to the family hub or Sunderland City Council Welfare Rights Service – Welfare right service offers and gives… more about 'Welfare Rights'Rainbow Family Hub, Washington, NE37 3AEWednesday 09:30 am to 11:30 am FreeSave Welfare Rights (Rainbow Family Hub) to favourites