Cheshire East celebrates opening of first two family hubs

Staff from Cheshire East Council, the NHS and community organisations celebrated the opening of their first two family hubs in Crewe and Wilmslow last week.

Family hubs bring council, health, and community services together, so that families with children and young people can access the right help and support, at the right time.

Two existing children’s centres; Oak Tree in Crewe and Oakenclough in Wilmslow have been developed into the borough’s first two family hubs, supporting children and young people from birth until they reach the age of 19 (or up to 25 for young people with special educational needs and disabilities). Further centres will be developed over the next 12 months.

Families also attended the opening events and enjoyed activities including face painting, balloon modelling and magic - together with wellbeing advice and more. Young people enjoyed their new chill out rooms featuring gaming stations and pool tables. Parents and carers could also learn about which services will be delivered from the hubs and their networks.

Services that will be delivered from family hubs include:

• Midwifery appointments, health checks, breastfeeding, weaning and nutrition advice, early years play education and sensory development;
• Support from health visiting and school nurse teams;
• Tailored and intensive support for families who may need a little extra help; 
• Family help and support for children with disabilities or additional needs;
• Practical support around finance, housing and supported learning;
• Youth support services; and
• Mental health support for children, young people, families and new parents

However, family hubs won’t just be about physical buildings – their services will eventually be available in a variety of ways including using community spaces and online. So, services can be accessed in the best way to suit everyone.

£1 million was awarded to the council last year, from the Department for Education, to develop family hubs across Cheshire East.  They were one of the first 12 local authorities to receive the funding, having until 2024 to implement this new way of working.

Councillor Carol Bulman, lead member for children and families at Cheshire East Council said:

“We want every family in Cheshire East to be able to benefit from the range of services our family hubs offer, so that all those who need support can find it.

“To help give children and young people the best possible start in life, family hubs will offer a broader range of services based upon local community needs - making it easier for them to access support.

“I am delighted to celebrate our journey so far on this vitally important service that brings services together for every stage of family life.”

Jo Gillman, 0-19+ service lead at Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“Family hubs are a true reflection of partnership working and bring together key organisations across Cheshire East. They offer a person-centred approach with parents and carers only telling their story once, which reduces stress and anxiety for many people. 

“They are also a space for young people to access confidential advice, information and support.  

“This new way of working will help improve the current and future health and wellbeing of children and young people, help reduce health inequalities, respond to local need, and provide universal and targeted support as required.”

Claire Coutinho, minister for children and families said:

“I am delighted to see the opening of Cheshire East’s first two family hubs.

“These one-stop-shops make sure the right support is accessible to parents and families, whether it’s help with early child development, breast feeding or mental health.

“The family hub is there for parents right through until their children turn 19, or 25 if they have special educational needs or disabilities, and I’d encourage everyone to see what it might be able to do for them.”

For more information about family hubs in Cheshire East, visit: 

www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/familyhubs 

Pictured - Oak Tree Family Hub in Crewe.