Government begins rollout of Family Hubs scheme

A new government initiative, with the aims of achieving better outcomes for children, has launched across several UK councils.

Building on a 2019 manifesto commitment, ministers say the Family Hubs scheme will help families and children to overcome common difficulties and ensure strong relationships.

£300m will be invested in 75 areas up to 2025 to support children up to the age of 19 or 25 for children with special needs and disabilities.

Hubs are designed to help children with their education, to improve mental health and wellbeing, and to boost employment.

Children, Families and Wellbeing Minister, Claire Coutinho said: ‘Having children can be really tough as well as bringing so much joy. All families, from time to time, will need a helping hand.

‘Family hubs bring services together helping parents, carers, children and young people to access the support they need more easily.

‘Parenting advice ranges from support with breast feeding and mental health to guidance on how to give children a head start on their learning.’

14 areas have been selected as trailblazers for the scheme including: Torbay, Sheffield, County Durham, Cornwall, Salford, Kent, Sunderland, Manchester, Northumberland, Hull, Coventry, Blackpool, East Sussex and the Isle of Wight.

Each of these will receive extra funding and a network of support from local authorities to improve services at the ‘one stop shops’ which will offer mental health support, parenting classes and guidance on infant feeding, amongst other things.

Councillors from one of the selected trailblazers Sheffield said they were ‘thrilled’ to have been chosen for the scheme.

Cllr Richard Williams, Chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee, along with Deputy Chair, Cllr Paul Wood and Group Spokesperson, Cllr Marieanne Elliot, said: ‘Our families face so many hurdles now, and this is a huge challenge for local authorities, particularly with the cost-of-living crisis that is affecting so many households so significantly.

‘This funding will support us to provide the right help at the right time, allowing our families and young people to thrive, by giving them the best possible start and having support embedded throughout our communities for each stage of family life.

‘This means joined up support services across health & wellbeing, money matters, employment & education, and leisure so that families are fulfilled in each of these areas, because just one small issue can create a huge impact on everything else.’

Photo by Santi Vedrí