Carousel Family Hub - Braintree District

As Volunteer Week 2026 comes to a close, we would like to once again say the biggest thank you to all our amazing volunteers, past and present, who play a vital role in the Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service. We simply couldn’t reach as many children, young people and families without you!

It can take just 15 seconds for a young child to lose consciousness if they get tangled in a blind cord. And sadly they can die in just a few minutes.

Make your blind cord safe, secure it on a cleat hook or use a tensioner (safety devices that should come with all new blinds).

For help about making your blinds safe visit: https://capt.org.uk/blind-cords/

Child Accident Prevention Trust

Would you like to be part of an amazing team and help support families in your local community. Click the link or scan the QR code to see what is available in your area.

www.barnardos.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer

🍵☕Hot drinks can cause devastating burns to children🍵☕
In fact, your hot drink stays hot enough to scald your young child’s delicate skin for 15 minutes after it’s been made.

So, whether you’re getting your daily caffeine fix or warming up with a soup, remember to:
• Keep hot drinks out of reach
• Move kettles to the back of the worktop
• Use the back rings of the hob first and turn pan handles in
• Avoid passing hot drinks or food over children

Child Accident Prevention Trust

BBQ season is here and we can’t wait to enjoy eating outside again. Just remember a BBQ and the ground underneath it can stay hot enough to cause a serious burn for a long time after it’s been used.

So, stay alert and keep children well away from the cooking area until it’s completely cooled.
Learn more: https://capt.org.uk/burns-scalds/
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⭐This 2026 – Follow Child Accident Prevention Trust for top tips you can share with your loved ones because ⭐

It's time for you to share any stories that you have whether that is because you have been supported by a volunteer at a session even if it was just a smiling face that made you feel welcome or you are a volunteer and want to share why you do it. The smallest of actions can have the largest of impacts on people which is why sometimes our volunteers underestimate the difference they are making to others.

Babies and toddlers love to play with their older siblings’ toys – even when they know they’re not supposed to. But, some of those toys may contain parts that can be deadly if swallowed.

⚠️Be wary of toys with⚠️
• Accessible button batteries that can burn through your child’s food pipe
• Super-strong magnets that can rip through your child’s belly
• Water beads that can block your child’s bowel
• Small parts that can choke

Having designated spaces or times where these high-risk toys can be played with may help keep your older child happy and your smaller child safe.

Do you have any tips for keeping little ones away from older children’s toys?

Learn more about toy safety: https://capt.org.uk/toy-safety/

Child Accident Prevention Trust

It is time to say a massive thank you to all our very special volunteers. We are grateful for everything you do whether that is helping at an event, supporting arts and crafts in a session, singing and telling stories or helping to set up and tidy away. You are always welcoming to our families coming into our hubs and parents and carers have told us that they look forward to seeing you all every week. There isn't a thank you big enough but just know that you have such a positive impact on everyone and you are all very much appreciated.

📣We would like to hear the views of fathers and male carers regarding your use of our service. (Please share with you child's father or male carer if they are not using our social media page).

❓QUESTION❓
As a father, have you felt included in your child’s health care contacts or appointments?

Please add👍for yes, followed by commenting on what you felt worked well?

Please add 👎for no, followed by commenting on what you felt could have been improved?

Did you know that hot dogs are one of the most common causes of choking?

Just like grapes, hot dog sausages are the perfect size and shape to completely block a small child’s airway. And, due to their texture they can be difficult to dislodge with standard first aid techniques.

That’s why it is advised to cut them in half lengthways and ideally into quarters to create thin strips.

This is the same for any round food. Anything smaller than a two pence piece can get stuck. So, always think ‘long and thin’ when cutting your small child’s food.

Visit our choking hub to learn more about common choking hazards and what you should do in an emergency: https://capt.org.uk/choking-prevention/
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⭐ 2026 is running all week - Follow the Child Accident Prevention Trust for top tips to keep your family safe ⭐