Charity offers free local activities and support for parents and children in Chatteris and March over summer holidays

With the summer holidays in full swing, and several weeks left until the start of a new school year, leading children’s charity Barnardo’s is offering a packed programme of activities, events and support this August for parents, children, and families in Chatteris and March.

This comes as recent findings show that rising costs of activities and days out have led to mounting stress for parents as they try to keep children entertained and happy during the long summer stretch.

A recent Barnardo’s poll discovered that more than half (54%) of parents in the UK said they have been forced to reduce spending on leisure and social activities.

Barnardo’s is on hand over the summer holidays, offering fun activities for children and young people, as well as essential support for parents, all at no cost. There's a full timetable of regular sessions including Stay & Play for young children, and groups for parents and babies, open to all.

Under the Sea-themed Stay & Play session will be held on Thursday 28 August from 10am-11:30am at Chatteris Child & Family Centre. Booking is required.

March Child & Family Centre, Cavalry Drive, March, PE15 9EQ - 01354 650024

• Introducing Family Food - Monday, August 11, 10am-11am;

• Stay & Play - Tuesdays, August 12, 19, and 26, 10am-11.15am

• Babbling Babies - Fridays, August 15, 22, and 29, 10am-11am

(due to limited space, booking is required for all sessions)

Chatteris Child & Family Centre, Larham Way, Chatteris, PE16 6PH - 01354 696989

• Babbling Babies - Mondays, August 11 and 18, 10am-11am

• Stay & Play - Thursdays, August 14 and 21, 10am-11.15am

• Under the Sea Stay & Play - Thursday, August 28, 10am-11.30am

(due to limited space, booking is required for all sessions)

For more information, visit: barnardos.org.uk/get-support/support-for-parents-and-carers/family-hubs-family-centres