Santa Bus brings festive magic to Tameside family hubs

Christmas came early for 160 Tameside children last week when Father Christmas and his elf made a magical visit to local family hubs aboard the Santa Bus.

The festive event, organised by Tameside Council, proved a huge success thanks to the dedication of children’s services staff and the generosity of council partners. Families enjoyed a day filled with festive cheer, smiles and memorable photo opportunities as the Santa Bus pulled up to spread Christmas joy.

Each child received a beautifully wrapped storybook thanks to the generosity of sponsors, civil engineering company Joseph Gallagher. Their goodwill extended far beyond the Santa Bus visit, with the company also donating ten air fryers, 30 One4All vouchers worth £15 each and ten Christmas hampers to support local families during the festive period.

The partnership is set to continue into the new year. Joseph Gallagher will transform the South Family Hub’s community garden in Hyde, creating an improved outdoor space for families to enjoy. The company is also exploring the option of providing a defibrillator at each family hub, a potentially life-saving gesture.

Teresa Smith, Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Children and Families, praised everyone involved in making the event such a success.

She said: “Our staff’s passion and commitment shone through at the Santa Bus event, creating precious memories for children and their families. Thanks to Joseph Gallagher’s continued support, we’re transforming our hubs into safer, more welcoming spaces – not just at Christmas, but all year round.

“This partnership, combined with the unwavering dedication of our family hub teams, highlights the real difference that collaboration makes in supporting children and families across our borough.”

For more information about Tameside’s family hubs, visit www.tameside.gov.uk/FamilyHubs.