Children and Young People
Every child has the right to the best start, which paves the way for a healthy happy life.
There are lots of great services and activities to help children grow, learn and thrive in Sunderland. There is also support when families need more help to support their children and young people.
Together for Children
Together for Children delivers children's services on behalf of Sunderland City Council. We work to provide services that make a difference for children and families across Sunderland. We provide a range of services for children and their families including: Early Help, Social Care, Education, Local Offer for SEND. Together for Children operates from a number of sites across the city of Sunderland.
01915 205 560
Sunderland Best Start Family Hubs
Best Start Family Hubs are friendly, safe spaces offering support from pregnancy through to age 19, or 25 for young people with SEND. Whether you’re expecting a baby, caring for a toddler or supporting an older child, we’re here to help you feel confident and give your child the very best start in life. Find out more
Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Wear Here 4 Programme 2026
The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) - Wear Here 4 programme is a Department for Education funded programme delivered locally by Together for Children. It provides fun, enriching activities and tasty, nutritious meals during school holidays for children and young people across Sunderland. Summer bookings are now open. Find out more
Summerfest 26
Summer holidays just got bigger and bolder with Summerfest 26. Summerfest 26 are bringing free, high-energy family events to communities across Sunderland every Wednesday throughout the school holidays. Book your place
Hints, Tips and Resources
Tech-Facilitated AbuseTeenagers’ online and offline lives are closely connected, including their intimate relationships. Technology has changed how we connect and communicate, but it can also be used for control and abuse. Tech-facilitated abuse refers to the use of digital tools—such as smartphones, social media, online banking and smart home devices—to harass, monitor, threaten or control someone Find out more click here Save Tech-Facilitated Abuse to favourites
Introducing Solid Foods and Early Years RecipesChange 4 Life Sunderland have produced a new guide to introducing your baby to solid foods, which has a range of information and early years recipe ideas. The booklet is aimed at families with babies who are ready to start
solid foods, often known as weaning. Find out more click hereSave Introducing Solid Foods and Early Years Recipes to favourites
My Sunderland- The Great OutdoorsSunderland’s award winning outdoor spaces and things to do offer something for everyone. From beautiful Blue Flag beaches and coastlines, acres of greenspace, award-winning parks and nature reserves, you can... Find out moreSave My Sunderland- The Great Outdoors to favouritesLocal services
What’s the Harm – Parent’s GuideLike tobacco, alcohol is harmful. By the age 11, children are becoming increasingly aware of alcohol, and many will have tried it by 15. So it’s a topic parents and carers need to be able to talk about. This guide will help parents have conversations with children about alcohol. Find out more click hereSave What’s the Harm – Parent’s Guide to favourites
NENC Healthier Together WebsiteThe Healthier Together programme relies upon patients and healthcare professionals working together to improve how local healthcare is delivered. The website provides advice for parents, young people and pregnant women, and clinical resources to support healthcare professionals. Find out more click hereSave NENC Healthier Together Website to favourites
Crystal Pathways – LGBTQ+ Wellbeing and Support ServiceSupporting young LGBT+ people aged 11-25 and their families in County Durham, Sunderland and South Tyneside. We offer friendly, practical support around gender identity and/or sexual orientation. This includes the opportunity to meet other LGBT+ young people. Get in touch with us for a chat. Find out moreSave Crystal Pathways – LGBTQ+ Wellbeing and Support Service to favourites
Gambling Support for Young People 16+NECA are able to provide FREE, confidential support for young people aged 16-24 who are experiencing gambling related harms. If you are a young person looking for support, or a parent, carer, or professional seeking help on behalf of a young person, please visit the website Find out moreSave Gambling Support for Young People 16+ to favourites
Parenting and RelationshipsWe know parenting isn't always easy and family life has lots of challenges along the way. If you're finding things at home tough we are here to help through our Achieving Better Connections (ABC) sessions for parents / carers. Find out more click hereSave Parenting and Relationships to favourites
Sunderland Best Start Family HubsBest Start Family Hubs are friendly, safe spaces offering support from pregnancy through to age 19, or 25 for young people with SEND. Whether you’re expecting a baby, caring for a toddler or supporting an older child, we’re here to help you feel confident and give your child the very best start in life. Find out moreSave Sunderland Best Start Family Hubs to favourites
Daisy Chain Family Support ServiceOffering support and empowerment to autistic and neurodivergent individuals through the provision of holistic person-centred services, whilst promoting training, wellbeing, inclusion and acceptance. Find out more click hereSave Daisy Chain Family Support Service to favourites
National Services
DigidadsCreated by the young dads of North East Young Dads and Lads, DigiDAD is a unique online peer support community. Packed full of easy to access father friendly films, animations, podcasts, courses and even a chat function, we celebrate young fatherhood without shying away from its challenges.
If you’re a young dad, you know a young dad or are simply interested in learning more, join us and register for free on the site. Find out more click hereSave Digidads to favourites