Cheshire East's first family hub facilities launch in Crewe and Wilmslow
By Ryan Parker
18th Jul 2023 | Local News
Staff from Cheshire East Council, the NHS and community organisations celebrated the opening of their first two family hubs, with sites in Crewe and Wilmslow.
On Thursday 13 July, Oak Tree in Crewe and Oakenclough in Wilmslow officially opened as the borough's first two family hubs.
The facilities will support 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).
Cheshire East has confirmed 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
Lead member for children and families at Cheshire East Council, Cllr Carol Bulman, 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.
READ MORE: Two Crewe schools set to lower age range following sudden nursery closures.
"I am delighted to celebrate our journey so far on this vitally important service that brings services together for every stage of family life."
Family hubs won't just be about physical buildings, with services eventually being available in a variety of ways including using community spaces and online.
Services are planned to be accessed in the best way to suit everyone.
In 2022, Department for Education awarded the council £1 million to develop family hubs across Cheshire East.
The council were one of the first 12 local authorities to receive the funding, having until 2024 to implement this new way of working.
Minister for children and families, Claire Coutinho, added: "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."
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