A new Cheshire East Council family hub and centre of excellence for children with disabilities has opened in Crewe, becoming the third facility of its kind across the borough.

Professionals from Cheshire East Council, NHS, community organisations and schools came together on Wednesday 11 October to celebrate the opening of Monks Coppenhall Family Hub, Remer Street.

The facility will specialise in services for children up to the age of 19 and young people up to the age of 25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Students from Springfield School opening the new centre alongside council staff and partners (Cheshire East Council).

Students from Springfield School opened the hub with an emotional sing and sign musical performance, before receiving a special thank you gift for their contribution.  

More hubs are set to follow in the next 12 months.

Executive headteacher at Springfield School, Lisa Hodgkison, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have the SEND family hub at the heart of Crewe and in such close proximity to Springfield. 

"The hub is going to offer much needed support for young people and families within the locality. It was a pleasure for the Springfield choir to spread their joy at the opening event. 

"We are really looking forward to working together with the hub in the future."

Last year, £1 million the Department for Education awarded £1 million to Cheshire East to develop family hubs across the borough.

Students from Springfield School opened the Remer Street hub with an emotional sing and sign musical performance, before receiving a special thank you gift for their contribution (Nub News).

The council were one of the first 12 local authorities to receive the funding, having until 2024 to implement this new way of working.

Monks Coppenhall family hub offers a wide range of services welcoming the whole community.

The hub will be a one stop shop of advice and support and will bring together local expertise to trial and innovate new approaches which can be rolled out across the borough.

It will also help to ensure inclusion is the golden thread that runs through services from the Cheshire East family hub network. 

The centre also has a sensory room, a Changes Places toilet facility and will offer guidance and emotional support to children, young people and their families as well as being a place to come visit, to connect and have fun.

Other services at the hub will include:

• Midwifery appointments, health checks, breastfeeding, weaning and nutrition advice;
• Start for life activities including 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

Monks Coppenhall family hub offers a wide range of services welcoming the whole community (Cheshire East Council).

Lead member for children and families at Cheshire East Council, Cllr Carol Bulman, added "The opening of our third family hub this year demonstrates our continuing commitment to children and young people the borough, and our passion to help families navigate what can be an overwhelming time in their lives.

"I am thrilled that we are now able to offer further support for those with SEND, and it's crucial that we get it right.

"This is why we're hosting both a professional, and public launch to encourage as many people as possible to see the broad range of support on offer from a range of experts in the field. 

"It takes a village to raise a child, and we want residents to know we're on hand to help guide young people through every stage of childhood, adolescence, and into early adulthood.

"I'd encourage local residents to come along during the public launch to see what services are on offer, take some time to meet the team and most of all have fun with their peers."

Lead member for children and families at Cheshire East Council, Cllr Carol Bulman (Cheshire East Council).

A week of activities over the October half term break are planned to celebrate the opening with children and families. Everyone is encouraged to visit the hub to find out more about the wide range of services and activities available for all. 

During the half term SEND experts will be on hand to answer any questions, signpost to further help and information and ensure local children and families are fully aware of the support available to them.

READ MORE: Family-run independent South Cheshire business celebrates 20 years of trading.

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