Published on Thursday 09 February 2023
Families in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will benefit from an additional £883k funding boost from the government’s Family Hub Transformation Fund.
The additional funding will help to create ‘one stop shops’ for families providing community-based advice and support services in a timely way.
Children’s centres will be transformed into family hubs offering support to children from pre-birth up to 25-years-old.
The hubs will expand on the previous success of children’s centres, which supported children from pre-birth up to five-years-old and will also support young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), their parents and carers.
A wide range of key partners including health, education, early years, police and voluntary sector, will help deliver the family hub service, with each hub being unique, and co-produced with those living and working in the local community.
A new digital offer will also be created to enable families 24/7 access to online services.
Councillor Mike White, Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People, said: "The current cost of living crisis combined with the effects of the global pandemic have had a huge impact on local children, young people and families.
"We are committed to do all that we can to help. The right support provided at the earliest opportunity can make all the difference. The family hub transformation project will enable BCP Council and our partners in health and the community to provide this support and help our next generation to reach their full potential."
The views of children, young people, families and professionals will be essential in the development of family hub services.
Cathi Hadley, Director of Children’s Services, said: "Family hubs are one-stop-shops for family services, and we’re committed to ensuring that families have local and improved access to these high-quality and non-stigmatising services.
"This will be one of our most exciting programmes that we’re going to deliver on in the next few years and I look forward to working with our communities and partners to achieve brighter futures for our children and young people."
Multi-agency services will be delivered through family hub buildings located throughout Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, as well as local venues that families are familiar with, such as schools and other community buildings.
Staff will be able to help families with a range of information and advice and support either face to face, by email or telephone at times to fit in with busy family lives.
The family hub transformation funding will help to achieve the council’s vision for connected communities and brighter futures for children, young people and their families.
We want local parents and carers to be involved in shaping the services on offer. If you would like to be involved in this exciting project, please email: familyinformation@bcpcouncil.gov.uk and we will be in touch with further details.
Editor's notes
For more information on the Family Hub Transformation Fund and the National Centre for Family Hubs
For more information on the Best Start for Life programme