Cumberland Council is set to open the doors of its first Family Hub this Spring, with families in and around Whitehaven to benefit from the new service.
Family Hubs are a Department for Education funded initiative that aims to bring together a range of services into a single, accessible site – making it easier for families to get the support they need.
Part of the council’s ambitious Family Wellbeing transformation programme, the Hub will cater for families, children and young people aged 0-19 years – and up to the age of 25 for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
Designed from the outset to be community-based, welcoming and inclusive, the Family Hub will provide a range of services including: age 0-5 years activities, midwives, health visitors, housing, financial support as well as many other areas of support.
In what is planned to be the first of a network of Family Hubs across the Cumberland area, Whitehaven has been identified as the first of Cumberland’s communities to benefit from the new in-person service. The town was selected following a public health needs assessment, with the location within the town to be announced in the coming weeks.
Family Hub online services available 24/7
In addition to the in-person Family Hub, anyone across Cumberland can benefit from online services which are already live and available to access. A dedicated Family Hub website has been set up as a single point of access for information, advice and support. In addition, a Facebook page provides latest updates, news and shares relevant content for families.
Cllr Emma Williamson, Executive Member for Children’s and Family Wellbeing and Housing at Cumberland Council said:
“I am delighted to share the fantastic news that Cumberland’s first Family Hub will be opening its doors in Whitehaven in Spring.
“Our vision is to keep children, young people, and their families healthy and safe by providing the right support at the right time, in a way that is both accessible and relevant to their needs.
“Our first Family Hub in Whitehaven will provide the local community with a warm, friendly and safe place to go for activities, advice and support all under one roof.”
Martin Birch, Director of Children and Family Wellbeing at Cumberland Council added:
“I am incredibly pleased to be confirm Whitehaven as Cumberland’s first Family Hub. It will be a fantastic asset for the town – and plans are afoot to set up further Family Hubs across the area.
“Consultation with stakeholders and families in the local area is underway with the outcome that we’ll have a community-based Family Hub that is driven by and meets the needs of families in the area.”