Families across Gedling struggling with the cost of living can save money on services including free stay and play sessions for babies and young children, as a number of new Best Start Family Hubs open in the borough, building on the legacy of Sure Start.
Parents will be able to access help with infant feeding, parenting advice and early support for children with SEND, in one place, reducing the need to pay for private classes or specialist support.
On top of savings of up to £200 a year through free stay and play sessions, many hubs will also provide access to debt advice and welfare guidance, which could help families access support they may otherwise miss and improve their financial position.
The following three family hubs are to be set up in the borough:
- Netherfield Family Hub, Netherfield, Gedling
- Killisick Family Hub, Coppice, Gedling
- Arnbrook Family Hub, Daybrook, Gedling
The programme builds on the legacy of Sure Start, while updating family services for the modern world – combining face-to-face and digital support, strong partnerships with early years settings, and better use of existing community partners and spaces.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “Children growing up in our country deserve the best start in life, but for too long, too many families have been navigating the pressures of parenthood without the support they need.
“Best Start Family Hubs will revitalise family services – bringing together health, parenting support and practical advice in one place, free and close to home, so that parents can get the help they need, when they need it.
“I’ve seen the difference Sure Start made in my community, and why it’s so important that we bring that support back today, reimagined for a new generation of families.
“Whether it’s advice on child development, help with additional needs, or simply a friendly face in the community, this government is putting the support so many families used to rely on, back into each and every community.”
Every Best Start Family Hub will include dedicated outreach workers to reach families, alongside a practitioner to help identify additional needs early – particularly those who might otherwise fall through the cracks – helping them access the right support sooner without being passed between services.
Alongside this, Healthy Babies support will be delivered through Best Start Family Hubs – bringing together health and early support such as midwifery, health visiting, infant feeding and perinatal mental health support.
