FAMILIES are set to get a helping hand across Solihull as four new Family Hubs are set to be opened.
They will provide a ‘one-stop’ shop for support services and a range of activities, under one roof for families with children and young people up to 19 years old, and up to 25 years for young people with additional needs.
The green light was given for the transformation programme of existing sites into Family Hubs at Solihull Council’s cabinet meeting last Thursday (September 7).
It comes after the authority was awarded £1million of transformational funding from the Department for Education to develop a Family Hub offer.
Meriden MP, Saqib Bhatti supported efforts for the Council to get the funding by lobbying education ministers in parliament.
The Council has also allocated extra funds to enable works to commence and for the running of the hubs.
The four hub sites will be located in Smiths Wood, Kingshurst, Chelmsley Wood and Elmdon following an assessment of need and demand across Solihull.
In addition, there will be improved outreach services in Meriden, Shirley and Solihull.
The hubs will be run by Solihull Council in conjunction with the NHS and the Integrated Care Service (ICS) to provide a comprehensive list of services for local families
The new hubs will offer health appointments, including midwives and health visitors, social activities, support for parents, help for people with special educational needs, playgroups and youth clubs.
Solihull Council says there will also be experts to help with debt, mental health issues and addictions as well as adult education.
The authority added digital alternatives such as virtual appointments, online group sessions and information and advice will be available for people who are unable to access the hubs in person.
Councillor Dicicco, cabinet member for Adult Social Care and Health, said: “Our new Family Hubs will make a big difference to the lives of children across Solihull in the areas that need it most.
“They will coordinate key start for life services, including NHS maternity and health visiting services, youth activity, family support, parenting programmes, social and peer support sessions, lifestyle and mental health advice.
“The fully inclusive service offer will also provide special educational needs and disabilities support and advice.
“We see this new service as a key part of our wider approach to support children and families, improving what we do to prevent issues developing and providing help earlier.”
The venues are scheduled to be open in March 2024.
For more contact the Family Hubs team on [email protected].
