Donate Today - Because Childhood Can't Wait
Donate Today - Because Childhood Can't Wait

Spooky Fun Without the Scary Spend

Post Date: 28 October 2025

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Are you looking for Halloween ideas that are fun, family-friendly and budget-wise? At Home-Start Richmondshire we know how important those early years are, and how stretching the pennies sometimes means needing extra inspiration. Here are some great low-cost (or free!) activities you and your children can enjoy together.

  1. Pumpkin Hunt in the Park
    Take a walk to your local park (or green space) and set up a little “pumpkin hunt”. Use small cheap pumpkins (or even painted cardboard pumpkins) hidden around the grass, bushes or trees. Great for toddlers and young children, gets you outdoors and moving.
  2. DIY Costume Parade at Home
    Use items you already have (an old sheet, some face‐paint, a hat or scarf) to create simple Halloween costumes at home. The children can then parade around the lounge or garden, show off their outfits, and maybe have a prize for “most creative”.
  3. Spooky Story & Snack Night
    Pick up a few seasonal treats (or make popcorn and add a few raisins for “spider eyes”) and settle down for a spooky but gentle story night. Use torches or fairy lights for effect. You could ask the kids to help decorate their snack bowls with cut-up fruit to make “ghosts” or “witches’ broomsticks”.
  4. Pumpkin Carving or Decorating
    If you can get hold of a pumpkin at low cost (some shops may reduce them at this time) you could carve or paint it together. If carving isn’t possible, painting or decorating a pumpkin with googly eyes, glitter, stickers is a fun alternative and keeps mess low.
  5. Halloween Crafts Afternoon
    Use paper, card, glue, safe scissors and basic craft supplies to make: bats, ghosts, witches’ hats, spider webs.
  6. Free Local Events
    Many local halls, libraries or community groups host family-friendly events around this time.  If you hear of any local ones, let us know and we can share via our Resource Hub! 

Why it matters

At Home-Start Richmondshire we believe that strong families help create happy children. These simple activities give you the chance to spend quality time together and build happy (spooky!) memories.


Also, if you ever feel you need a little extra help, whether with ideas, connection or just someone to chat to; we’re here for you.

Stay safe, have fun, and happy Halloween from all of us at Home-Start Richmondshire.

#becausechildhoodcantwait 

Post Date: 28 October 2025

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Sue McVay

I joined Home-Start Richmondshire as manager in June 2023. Previous to that, I worked in the Early Years sector, operationally and strategically, for over 30 years.

I am passionate about supporting parents to give children the best possible start in life and believe that Home-Start Richmondshire has the knowledge, experience and understanding to deliver this through the staff team and network of volunteers.

Emma Felinski

I recently joined HSR as a coordinator, in April 2025 after working as a support worker for many years. I am enjoying my role, supporting families through challenging times. I have spent time overseas, including New York, Paraguay, Cyprus and Germany. While working overseas In Paraguay South America I worked with children and families living in poverty. This was an experience that was very rewarding, and my passion to support people continues. I love to travel the world and experience different cultures. I also enjoy hiking, with my two dogs, wild swimming and spending time with my children.

Jill Sinaguglia

I joined Home Start Richmondshire as a coordinator in July 2023.  I’ve had a varied career working as a radio presenter and journalist, running my own chocolate business and as a children and families’ social worker. I have three children and have found parenting to be a wonderful but sometimes scary and challenging journey.  I am passionate about getting alongside families who are struggling.  I know sometimes you just need a bit of encouragement to keep going or reassurance that you are doing it right!  I love that at Home Start we can do just that, and it is a privilege to support and empower families to reach their goals.  In my spare time I enjoy reading, visiting coffee shops and exploring new places.

Andrew Terry

My professional background was in children’s services, initially as a secondary school teacher and then leading teams of specialist staff for North Yorkshire Council. I retired in 2015 from the post of Assistant Director, Access and Inclusion, the service which works with and for schools and the parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities. For a time, I also managed the education social work service and the looked after children’s service.

I volunteered at the Friarage Hospital for 8 years until 2023, mainly with elderly patients and now help in the community.

I believe that the early years of a child’s life are vital to their wellbeing and prospects at school and beyond, and that a stable family life is crucial. Coming from a very large family, I have personal experience of the challenges that strained domestic life can bring and I joined Home Start Richmondshire in January 2022 to play a part in helping parents and carers when they ask for additional support.

Sian Moore

I am local to Richmondshire, attending primary and secondary schools in the area.

I have worked in Local Government in North Yorkshire for more than 35 years. My main interest was in Finance, acting as the Statutory Finance Officer for approximately 15 years. I also oversaw the finance aspects of major projects including the Allerton Park waste disposal facility and fire service training centre.

I held responsibility for HR, property, IT, Council tax, business rates and housing benefits.

Since retiring in 2023 I am studying for an MSc in Psychology, which I juggle with family responsibilities.

Tad Zaranko

I have worked for thirty six years in education, as a senior leader in three secondary schools, including one as a Headteacher.

I am a school improvement partner for two local authorities and a consultant support for the development of mathematics in small rural schools.

I am also a consultant on the ‘Building Schools for the Future’ Programme and an LA. Education lead in a HMP. Section leader in a Further Education College.

Currently a Governor of a Primary School on the Garrison for 15 years including 10 years as chair of the governing board.

I joined Home-Start Richmondshire as a Trustee in January 2022.

Daniel Bell

I read Law at Solent University and completed the professional exams at the College of Law (Guildford) before undertaking a career in intellectual property and commercial law with the Marcol Group in London.  I was commissioned into the ETS in 2010 and served with 1WG on AT4 and Op HERRICK 16 in 2011.  Took command of Arnhem Platoon, Jackson Coy at ATC(P) in 2012 before being selected in 2014 to undertake a comprehensive program of modernisation, organisational restructuring, and course re-design at RMAS as OiC Coaching Advisory Team. In 2016 having completed an MSc in Education and Innovation, I took command of the Training Management Cell at the Defence SERE Training Organisation in RAF St Mawgan.

Following that, I managed the delivery of a high profile and value training transformation project as SO3 Training Advisor to the Saudi Arabian National Guard Communications Project in 2018. Before attending ICSC(L) and returning to the Middle East as SO2 Military Education Advisor to the Kuwait MOD in 2019 and, subsequently, as the SO1 in 2020. 

I have various interests, including being a CPSA shooting coach, an ARA rowing coach, triathlete, climber, surfer and amateur motorbike and car restorer.  I am married to Seana with 3 children and 1 dog; Gabriel (8), Niamh (7), Sonny (1) and Seamus the Border Collie (14).  

I joined Home-Start Richmondshire as a Trustee in January 2022.