Fife parents and youngsters invited on board the PlayTalkRead bus next week

Designed as a free drop in playground, Benji offers parents and carers a fun and relaxed environment to pick up exciting new ideas and tips to play, talk and read more with their little ones which will help make a positive difference to their health and happiness.

Benji will be stopping at: Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre on Monday, February 15 from 10am–1pm and 2pm-4pm; Mayfield Terrace, Colinsburgh on Tuesday, February 16 from 10am-1pm and 2pm-4pm; Riverside Park, Glenrothes on Wednesday, February 17 from 10am-1pm and 2pm-4pm; Townhill Community Centre, Dunfermline on Thursday, February 18 from 10am-1pm and 2pm- 4pm and Ravenscraig Park, Kirkcaldy on Friday, February 19 from 10am-1pm and 2pm-4pm.

On board, parents and carers of young children can enjoy all types of fun from interactive storytelling, song and rhyme sessions to easy craft activities. The qualified and experienced play leaders will showcase lots of great low-cost or free activities that can fit into parents’ daily routines.

Aileen Campbell, minister for Children and Young People, said: “As a mum of two young children, I know first-hand how difficult it can be to fit playing, talking and reading into your daily routine – the PlayTalkRead buses, Benji and Bessie, offer lots of ideas and advice for parents and carers to just do that.

“You don’t need lots of toys or expensive equipment to do it, it’s all about enjoying your time together and helping their brains grow. We’re looking forward to welcoming all the mums, dads, grandparents and carers in Fife on board Benji.”

Last year more than 27,000 people visited the PlayTalkRead buses as they went to ten per cent more venues than in 2014.

77 per cent of those who visited the buses were introduced to new methods of playing, talking and reading with their children and 83 per cent did something different following a visit to the bus.

The PlayTalkRead roadshow will visit every local authority in Scotland as part of the Scottish Government’s Early Years campaign focusing on the first three years of children’s lives. Entry is free. You can see when the PlayTalkRead buses will next be in your area at: http://playtalkread.scot/bus/timetable

For more information – plus lots of handy tips and advice - visit http://playtalkread.scot/. You can also visit the PlayTalkRead Facebook page at www.facebook.com/playtalkread or follow PlayTalkRead on Twitter @PlayTalkRead.