Parenting support, help with language development, advice on debt and housing will be just some of the services on offer at Halton's first 'family hub'.
The borough was one of 75 areas in the country to share just over £300m to develop family hubs, which bring together a range of services to support families with children and young people aged 0-19, or up to 25 years with special educational needs and disabilities.
The new hub is located in what was previously known as Kingsway Children’s Centre - now called Kingsway Family Hub - in Widnes. The location of a family hub for Runcorn is set to be announced shortly, the council said.
In Halton, services will include:
- Early language development
- Infant-feeding advice and specialist breastfeeding support
- Parent/infant relationships and perinatal mental health
- Parenting support
- Midwife appointments and health visitor drop ins
Family hubs will also deliver a range of other services and sessions for Halton families which will eventually also include:
- Activities for children aged 0-5
- Debt and welfare advice
- Domestic abuse support
- Housing advice
- Family support
- Mental health services
- Nutrition and weight management
- Services for children who have or may have special educational needs and
- disabilities (SEND) and their families
- Parent relationship support
- Youth services
The official unveiling was carried out by local mum Jen Ascot and her daughter Rose. Also attending were representatives of partner organisations that are coming together under the family hub banner.
Cllr Tom McInerney, executive board member for children and young people, said: "We know that there is already some great work happening across Halton to support our families.
"Family hubs give us the opportunity to work with families and our partner organisations to build on this to ensure that all families can access the right support, at the right time and at a place that is convenient to them."
He added: "We want family hubs to be places where everyone feels welcome, so it’s been fantastic to see so many families and children coming together today to be part of this celebration event."
For more information visit the website here.
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