Early Words Together

Early Words Together is a free, friendly programme run by Hampshire County Council's Library Service teams and funded by Best Start. It is a 6-week programme, developed by the National Literacy Trust, to help your child’s speech and language, learning, social skills and wellbeing.

What to expect

• The programme is designed to help parents/carers to support their child's communication through the sharing of ideas and activities such as talking, singing rhymes, sharing books and playing together.
• Two free books will be gifted throughout the course and Top Tip activity cards.
• The sessions all take place in a Hampshire Library and are delivered by a trained staff member.

Who can attend?

We welcome professional referrals for children aged between 3-4 years that are at risk of not reaching milestones for speech and communication. 

Parents/carers who have concerns about their child's talking, listening or attention can self-refer.

Priority will be given to those who are referred from a professional agency e.g. a health visitor or childcare provider.  Parent consent must be sought.

Please Note: The Early Words Together course cannot make any diagnosis or replace a medical pathway.

If you are looking for a course for a younger child, please visit First Words Together.

Where the sessions run

Sessions are available at the following libraries:

• Alton
• Andover
• Bridgemary
• Gosport Discovery Centre
• Leigh Park

What are the requirements of attending?

Parents/carers must be able to attend all 6 sessions with their child.

How to join

If you’d like support with nurturing your child's communication and want to join the next course, you can request a place using the Early Words Together - Referral Form

Privacy notice: Early Words Together parent/carers programme