Nearly 30 family hubs are set to be open in Leicestershire by the end of the spring.
Leicestershire County Council launched 19 hubs in 2023, with seven more due to be up and running by the end of March. The Family Hubs network support to Leicestershire parents, carers and families continues to grow across the county.
Since officially launching at the end of May 2023, families have had access to a host of services in their local communities, ranging from antenatal support, new parents groups and 1-to-1 clinics helping people with issues such as mental health, money and housing support.
Another two are set to be opened this month in Loughborough Library and Measham. Others will follow in Moira, Thurmaston, Broughton Astley, Castle Donington and Mountfields Lodge in Loughborough.
Families can also visit a Family Hub at their local children and family wellbeing centre or Leicestershire library to join in activities including Stay and Play, Library Wriggly Readers and Holiday Activity & Food (HAF) sessions.
Family Hubs are open to all families and young people, whether they are looking for support on more serious topics, or hoping to take part in a fun, family activity.
Our Adult and Family Learning Team are always on hand in each of their local areas and we’ve seen them make such a great connection in their respective communities, making our Family Hubs feel like a true network of support and guidance for all.
Person:Councillor Deborah Taylor, cabinet member for children and families
Tara, a frequent user of the family hubs service alongside her family, said: “I’ve done play therapy [with my son], he’s loved every second of that. it’s taught me how to deal with his autism.
“It feels like you’re talking to family and you feel safe talking to these people. I know they can support you with food banks, they’ll help you if you want to stop smoking - they’ll help you with anything you need.”
The new Family Hubs website is set to officially launch early this year, and will give families, young people and professionals access a whole range of information and advice. View the website.
Leicestershire is one of 12 local authorities to secure a slice of a £12 million pot of grant funding to transform the way services are delivered for families.
For more information on Family Hubs in Leicestershire and to find one near you, email familyhubs@leics.gov.uk