ABOUT Gold SURE START

At Gold Sure Start, we are here to support families from pregnancy right through until their child’s 4th birthday. All of our services are completely free and open to families, no matter your income, benefits, or job status.

What We Do

We work closely with parents, community groups, and local services to make sure families have the right support when they need it. Our work includes:

• Tailored family services – designed especially for parents-to-be and families with children under 4.

• Strong local partnerships – linking with health professionals, statutory agencies, and community groups to bring the best support into your area.

• Inclusive support – offering help, advocacy, and a warm welcome to families who are new to the area, especially those for whom English is not their first language.

Where We Work

We currently provide services across 8 electoral wards:
Oldtown, Gortalowry, Killymoon, Ardboe, Dunamore, Pomeroy, Maghera, and Town Parks East 2 (Magherafelt).

Eligibility

Children can access GOLD SureStart services until their 4th birthday. After this, they will be de-registered. When the youngest child in a family turns 4, the whole family will be de-registered from SureStart.

Get in Touch

Please browse our website to explore the wide range of services we offer. If you would like more information or support, we’d love to hear from you — just get in touch.

All of our services are available to eligible families, alongside guidance in accessing other local statutory and voluntary services.

Meet the team

Keep the same sub sections as old website – we will need to update the names and pictures possibly after site goes live.

Five to Thrive

Helping Your Child Grow a Healthy, Happy Brain

Has your child had their “five a day” today?
Not just food — but the five emotional nutrients that help their brain grow strong. From birth to age three, your child’s brain is developing faster than it ever will again. In the first year alone, over a million new brain connections form every single second. And the biggest influence on your baby’s growing brain is YOU.

Every cuddle, smile, conversation and playful moment helps build the pathways your child will use for life.

? Why it Matters

Just like good food helps children grow physically, positive interactions help them grow emotionally and mentally. These everyday moments shape how your child learns, feels and connects with others.

Respond - Cuddle - Relax - Play – Talk

Talk
Your voice helps build your child’s communication, confidence and connection.

"I love the sound of your voice. I love it when you talk, when you make nonsense noises, and when you sing.  I get frightened if there is so much shouting or arguing”

Play
Play boosts curiosity, imagination and learning — even tiny babies love playful interaction.

"I need you to soothe me when I'm upset, but I also need you to make life interesting for me.  Toys are great, but the best toy in the world for me is... you!"

Relax
Calm, quiet moments help your child learn to manage stress and feel secure.

"I know that having a baby is stressful.  But if you can find ways to relax when you are with me, you can make a big difference to the way my brain works"

Cuddle
Touch strengthens emotional bonds and supports healthy brain development.

"When I am close to you my body begins to work in tune with yours.  Connections are building in my brain that will make it possible for me to control my body one day"

Respond
Noticing your baby’s signals and responding with warmth helps them feel safe and understood.

"I feel very scared if I get no response from you.  When you look at me with love in your eyes I feel safe.  Your voice helps me to feel safe.  Being close to you helps me to feel safe"

? Small Moments, Big Impact

You don’t need special toys or equipment — just you.
Everyday moments create lifelong foundations for learning, wellbeing and relationships.