Early Years Health and Development Team WWL

30/10/2026

Halloween can be full of spooky surprises, but feeling worried about using the toilet is a fear many children face all year round.

Toilet anxiety can happen after an unpleasant experience, such as a sore poo or a broken bathroom lock, or because of too much sensory stimulation including bright lights, loud noises and strong smells. These feelings can make children anxious about going to the toilet and may lead them to hold in their wee or poo to avoid using it.

If your child finds toileting a little scary, here are some ways you can help:
🎃 Make the bathroom feel familiar, friendly and welcoming
🎃 Reduce unpleasant sights, sounds and smells where possible
🎃 Use games, music or favourite activities as a distraction
🎃 Create predictable toileting routines
🎃 Talk openly about worries and feelings around toileting
🎃 Focus on positive steps, such as handwashing and hygiene routines
🎃 Check for underlying bowel or bladder issues, including constipation, which can contribute to toileting difficulties

No tricks, just support! Visit the ERIC website for information and resources to help your child overcome toilet anxiety and build confidence: https://eric.org.uk/information/toilet-anxiety/

30/10/2026

❄️ Seasonal moments ahead — here’s our November–December Family Activities Timetable 💜

𝗥𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟭𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿

We’re looking forward to another term together and welcoming both new families and familiar faces. You’re always welcome at the Hub 💜
As we head into a new term, we’re excited to share that…

📢Our Family Hub Booking System is Now Live!🎉

Families can now browse and book sessions online at a time that's convenient for them, making it easier than ever to access support, activities, and services across Wigan's Family Hubs.

✅ Book onto Family Hub sessions quickly and easily
✅ View activities and events across our hubs
✅ Explore the range of services available for children, young people, and families
✅ Access information all in one place, anytime
Start exploring and booking today by visiting:

🔗https://wigan.cxmflow.com/OABS/GetByKey/e5772194-6a1c-442b-bad9-108990113017/EVENTLISTING_Wigan/LIST?unit=1041

🔔 Important: Please ensure you book a ticket for every person attending a session, including adults and children where required. This helps us manage numbers safely and make sure everyone has a place.

Please bear with us, this is a completely new system and there may be teething issues, if you have any difficulties using the booking system please don't hesitate to ring us on 01942 777705 and we will try to assist you.

We look forward to welcoming you to our sessions!

With love
Family Hub at Leigh 💜

30/10/2026

30/10/2026

New ADHD and Autism anonymous messaging service in Wigan

Whether you're a young person with questions about ADHD or autism, or a parent/carer looking for support for a child or young person, you can get in touch anonymously.

No diagnosis is needed.

• Young people can contact the service themselves, with or without support
• Parents and carers can text about a child or young person
• Anonymous and confidential service

The service aims to respond within 48 hours (Monday to Friday, 9am-4.30pm), and you'll receive an automatic confirmation message when your text is received.

Texts are monitored between 9am and 4.30pm only.

If there is an immediate risk to safety, call 999 or visit your nearest emergency department.

Text: 07507 329954

21/10/2026

Friday 23rd October our GPS service is holding an online workshop on sleep issues , a practical workshop for families whose children struggle with sleep

https://gpscalendar.embracewiganandleigh.org.uk/wiganndcommunityevents/detail/15/1792746000000/1

19/10/2026

Free Parent/Carer Workshops & Webinars

19/10/2026

19/10/2026

It's that time of year again! Here's how we can make our homes a little less spooky (if that's more your thing) and much more accessible for disabled children.

- Offer non-food item alternatives like small party-favour like toys or stickers
- Ensure your front pathway/garden is well-lit and safe for a child with mobility issues to access it
- Be patient, it might take some children more time to take their sweets for a number of reasons, give them time.
- Don’t assume every child is verbal/able to speak, some disabled children may communicate in other ways or have someone with them to help.
- Avoid having strobe lighting or loud sound effects, to keep children with epilepsy and sensory issues safe.

Have we missed anything? What are some Halloween accommodations we could all be making this year? 🎃

19/10/2026

This half term, it's time for the little ones to learn a new skill! 🚲💙

We're teaming up with Family Hub at Leigh on Thursday 29 October to deliver three fun, friendly cycling sessions designed to help children build confidence on two wheels.

⏰ 9am and 11am: Learn to Ride (ages 5-11)
Perfect for children who are ready to take the next step. They'll learn key cycling skills and build the confidence to ride independently.

⏰ 10am: Bikeability Balance (ages 4-6)
A great introduction to cycling, helping little ones develop balance, coordination and confidence in a fun, supportive environment.

✨ All sessions are FREE, welcoming and led by our experienced instructors.

Make the most of the half-term break and give your child the confidence to start their cycling journey!

Book your spot via the Be Well app (just search 'community venues' and 'cycling for children') or booking site links in the comments 👇