1st Place Children and Parents’ Centre is now also a Best Start Family Hub, we are the first Family Hub in Southwark. Family Hubs work in partnership with Children and Family Centres and other service providers to provide support services, activities and courses to families in the local area. Along with our partners and supported by Southwark Council 1st Place provides and connects families with support and activities in the Borough, Bankside and Walworth locality.

Read our Impact Report

Two young children playing in the sand, one sitting with a toy shovel and the other standing, also holding a toy shovel, at the beach or sandbox area.

Stay & Play

Our Stay & Play timetable is packed full of fun and informative sessions for you and your little ones!

Why attend a Stay & Play session?

There are lots of benefits for you and your children, including:

Ask advice and receive support from our Early Years Practitioners
Meet other parents and carers
Improved mental health and well-being
Language, social and physical development for your child
Our team can also refer you to other services if you or your child needs further support

Easter Holidays at 1st Place

Join us for Easter themed stay & play sessions and crafts this Easter Holidays.

Download timetable

NEW Summer timetable!

April - July 2026

View Timetable

Download (opens PDF)

Free Courses & Workshops for Parents and Carers

Join a 12- week programme to help build your skills as a male parent/carer.
Free crèche provided.
Every Friday, 15 May to 17 July 2026.
Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm
Half term break: 25 May to 29 May.
To book a place, please contact Tara Long (07513 713 090) tara.long@southwark.gov.uk or call 1st Place Reception on 0207 740 8070.
This 9 week course that helps parents with children aged 1-3 years learn practical skills for everyday life. This includes looking after yourself as a parent, recognising and managing your children’s emotions and positive parenting strategies and supporting your children’s resilience.
Every Tuesday, from 28 April to 7 July.
Times: 10 am - 12 pm
Half term break: 25 May to 29 May
To book a place, please contact Claire Gager (07547 659 646) Claire.gager@southwark.gov.uk
or call 1st Place Reception on 0207 740 8070.
Specialist osteopathic care provided by a tutor from the University College of Osteopathy to support babies and children under 5 who may benefit from gentle manual therapy to assist with the challenges of early life.
Mondays 10am – 4pm
By appointment only
Location: 1st Place Family Hub, SE5 0RN
For more information and to book an appointment, call: 0207 7408070.

HENRY: a healthy start for a brighter future. (8-week course).
A holistic approach that focuses on improving nutrition, emotional wellbeing, parenting confidence, oral health and a more active lifestyle.
Creche provided.
Every Wednesday, from 29 April to 24 June.
Times: 12:30pm – 15.00pm
Half term break: 25 May to 29 May.
HENRY is also offering individual workshops, see below.
For full information, upcoming dates, locations and how to book your place, please visit our page on the Evelina London website: evelinalondon.nhs.uk/henry
Starting Solids Workshop
Wednesday 22 April (no creche available)
Time: 1 pm - 3 pm
Location: 1st Place Best Start Hub, SE5 0RN
Monday 8 June (no creche available)
Time: 1 pm - 3 pm
Location: Victory Best Start Hub, SE5 0RN
Monday 29 June (no creche available)
Time: 1 pm - 3 pm
Location: Victory Best Start Hub, SE5 0RN
Wednesday 15 July (creche available)
Time: 1 pm - 3 pm
Location: 1st Place Best Start Hub, SE5 0RN
Fussy Eating Workshop
Friday 19 June
Time: 2:30 pm to 3 pm
Location: 1st Place Best Start Family Hub, SE5 0RN.

Join a calm and comfortable environment where you can access information, practical advice and support. We have created a welcoming space led by healthcare professionals and peer supporters where friendships become a community of support for new parents.
Dates: Every Monday, except Bank Holidays
Time: 12 pm - 2 pm
Location: 1st Place Family Hub, 12 Chumleigh Street, Burgess Park, SE5 0RN
For more information, please email: southwark@breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk
Or visit https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/project/southwark/
An opportunity for children, parents and carers to meet and share experiences. The group will be supported by Southwark Hearing Support Service. Advice is provided by Teachers of the Deaf and visiting professionals.
Times: 10.30am – 12pm
Dates:
20 April
18 May
15 June
13 July
To book a place, please contact
Emma Ford (07395 372 558) emma.ford@southwark.gov.uk
or
Arthur Cefai (07540 152 935) arthur.cefai@southwark.gov.uk
Visit us for a chance to learn about services provided in Southwark. Ask questions to Community Early Help and Adolescent Sure Star team members. Information about local activities and services is available, together with Special Educational Needs information and support. Advice and help around benefits and employment, support with apprenticeships for young people and much more on offer.

Parents/carers (with children up to age 18, or up to 25 with SEN)
Young people (11-18 years) are welcome to attend alone, with a friend or with a trusted adult.

Every Tuesday
Time: 2.30-4.30pm

Please contact the team if you need more information or are unable attend the coffee morning and need support:

-Community Early Help Practitioners
Sarkar, Yasmin Yasmin.Sarkar@southwark.gov.uk 07547659643
Rani.singh1@southwark.gov.uk 07843802257

Adolescent Sure Start Officers
Lisa.ogbeide@southwarkgov.uk 07510475416
Victoria.ing@southwark.gov.uk 07947616048
Free confidential advice and support for you and your family.
To book a slot, please call 1st Place reception on 020 7740 8070.
The Healthy Minds Thrive Project aims to support parents and carers of infants (0-2 years) across Southwark along their parenting journey.
Services:
- 1-1 sessions
- Groups
- Whole family support
- support to access other services
Get in touch
healthymindsthrive@southwark.gov.uk

Services and Support

Southwark Parent and Carer Forum

WhatsApp Group

This forum has been created to keep parents and carers up to date with activities, services and the support available in Southwark.

It is a way to bring parents, carers, professionals and voluntary organisations together, and is a sources of support information sharing and you can ask questions and someone will be available to guide you.

Click here to join the WhatsApp group.