Welcome to the February issue of our monthly online newsletter for children and families, produced by the Children and Family Work team at YMCA St. Paul’s Group.
We help whole families to flourish. We have safe and trusted Early Years care and developmental activities, family support and mediation help when difficult issues arise at home or school, summer and school holiday camps, and activities that are just plain fun for everyone.
Take a look at the sections below to learn about what we will be up to across our various children and families services in February.
Want to talk about it?
Safer Internet Day 2023 will take place on the 7th of February 2023, with celebrations and learning based around the theme ‘Want to talk about it? Making space for conversations about life online’.
Coordinated in the UK by the UK Safer Internet Centre, the celebration sees thousands of organisations get involved to promote the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology for children and young people.
The aim is to inspire a national conversation about using technology responsibly, respectfully and creatively.
Resources to use specifically with children under 5 can be located on Childnet international. These include Smartie the Penguin and Digiduck’s Big Decision.
Love is in the air!
Valentine’s Day, also called St. Valentine’s Day takes place on February 14th. Valentine’s Day is not just for couples, it’s a day to celebrate love in all its forms. Show love to your friends, family and community this #ValentinesDay.
The children at Jumpers will be making lots of special gifs for the parents.
Love your pet day
Love Your Pet day is a chance to show your pets extra love and your undivided attention. It’s about acknowledging the special relationship between humans and their animal friends.
The Jumpers children will be drawing pictures of their own pets.
Flipping out over Shrove Tuesday!
Lent is just around the corner, but first it’s time to treat yourself with some tasty pancakes for Shrove Tuesday, on February 21st! What’s your favourite topping?
Here’s a simple recipe for some tasty pancakes – yum!
Ingredients
- 100g plain flour
- 2 large eggs
- 300ml milk
- 1 tbsp sunflower or vegetable oil, plus a little extra for frying
- lemon wedges to serve (optional)
- caster sugar to serve (optional)
Method
- STEP 1
Put 100g plain flour, 2 large eggs, 300ml milk, 1 tbsp sunflower or vegetable oil and a pinch of salt into a bowl or large jug, then whisk to a smooth batter.
- STEP 2
Set aside for 30 mins to rest if you have time, or start cooking straight away.
- STEP 3
Set a medium frying pan or crêpe pan over a medium heat and carefully wipe it with some oiled kitchen paper.
- STEP 4
When hot, cook your pancakes for 1 min on each side until golden, keeping them warm in a low oven as you go.
- STEP 5
Serve with lemon wedges and caster sugar, or your favourite filling. Enjoy!
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a time for self-reflection and growth. It is always 46 days before Easter Sunday and lasts for 40 days.
Gymnastics new term
Please contact AnneMarieBuckley@ymcaspg.org to arrange a free trial session.
Looking to book a children’s birthday party? Our kids parties at YMCA South Ealing, including party host and food and drink, are ideal for under eights. Party bookings are available on Saturdays.
The children will spend the first hour in the studio on the soft play equipment, and the second hour will be for food and party games in Y Lounge café.
A dedicated party host is there to keep the kids entertained and to set up and clear away afterwards, meaning you can just relax and enjoy the party!
Take a look at our South Ealing children’s parties page for further details.
Are you looking for a venue to hire in South Ealing? We have a purpose made studio, ideal for kids activity and dance classes available to hire.
Available from Monday – Friday, the hire charge is just £30 per hour.
For more details, or to make an enquiry, visit our South Ealing activity studio hire page.
Odd socks!
The children at Handsworth After School Club had the pleasure of having a visit from Kristina, our head of Children, Youth and Family. She had a great time with the kids, designing odd socks.
Craft Connections
Handsworth children have started the second round of messages to the local care homes and we are focusing on LOVE. The children wrote to them saying what they thought love was and designed some Lurve Bugs to send over to the elderly residents.
Y-Kidz is back this Easter 
Visit our website for full details, and to book a space: https://ymcastpaulsgroup.org/y-kidz/
People who help us – visit
The children were very excited to have three of our local Police Officers visit us as part of our People Who Help Us topic. The children were very interested in their walkie talkies and talked about the different uniforms they wore. The children tried on the hats and were surprised at how heavy they were. Some of the children were interested to know what the handcuffs were made of and one of the children wanted to know if they were magnetic. Which they are!
VIP Event (very important parent)
We had our first VIP (very important parent) event of the year. The parents and children participated in making year of the rabbit headbands, Chinese lanterns and dragon puppets. The children talked to their parents about what year they were born. The children were either born in the year of the dog, pig or rat!
Half term softplay fun
The Pod will be open during half-term. Please check the website for opening times.
Based at the YMCA Hawker in Kingston, the Pod is a two storey soft play centre open seven days a week for indoor play. Costs are just £6.00 per child, including one adult. Visit our Pod page for full details..
All Pod sessions are walk-in only no online booking.
Celebrate with a Pod Party!
Pod parties are the perfect way to celebrate a birthday for under 11s. Pod parties dates are now available to book online until December 2023, please check available dates and times on Mindbody.
- £390.00 for 25 children
- £440.00 for 30 children
For frequent visitors
Attend seven Pod sessions, and get the eighth session free! Pick up your loyalty card from reception. or in the Pod.
Donate to support our Youth Services
Help support young people in our communities by making a donation.
