Walk and talk events aim to help language skills

The walk and talk events are taking place at locations across Cornwall

A series of free walk and talk events are taking place across Cornwall this summer to help develop children's language and communication skills and encourage families to connect.

The guided walks are aimed at families with children aged under six and will start from libraries and family hubs across the county.

Councillor Barbara Ellenbroek, Cornwall Council's cabinet member for children and families, said the events were giving families a chance to "meet new people and get the conversation flowing".

She said: "For younger children it is especially important to have lots of opportunities to engage with their mums, dads, brothers and sisters."

'Learning new words'

Each family will be given a set of conversation cards, created by the National Literacy Trust, designed to help parents develop their children's speech, language and communication skills.

The cards give parents suggestions of things to do and talk about while out and about.

They also explain to parents why it is "important to chat with your baby or child, even before they’ve started talking", organisers said.

Jo Knuckey, from the National Literacy Trust, said: "We believe that day-to-day activities can provide opportunities for families to boost their children’s early language and communication skills.

"By tuning into, and chatting about the things children notice on these walks, families can help them to learn new words and develop literacy skills for life."

When and where to join the walks

• Monday 19 August 10:00 -11:00 BST - Bodmin Family Hub

• Wednesday 21 August 11:30 -13:00 BST - Penzance Family Hub

• Thursday 22 August 13:00 -14:00 BST - The Park, Falmouth

• Thursday 22 August 09.30 -11.30 BST - Hayle Family Hub

• Wednesday 28 August 11:30 -13:00 BST - Penzance Family Hub

• Thursday 29 August 11.30 -12.30 BST – Liskeard Library

• Thursday 29 August 10:00 -11:00 BST – St Austell Library

• Thursday 29 August 09.30 -11.30 BST - Hayle Family Hub