First of county's new 'family hubs' opens
The first of Oxfordshire's new Best Start Family Hubs has opened in Oxford
- Published
Expectant parents and families with children up to the age of 19 are now able to access Oxfordshire's first new family support hub.
The recently refurbished children and family centre in Blackbird Leys, in Oxford, is hosting the pilot Best Start Family Hub, offering a range of services to help parents, carers and children.
The county council has received a government grant of £245,236 to set up the scheme, alongside a £1m from the local authority.
The county is one of 10 areas in the South East, sharing nearly £2m of government funding.
Fewer than 10 physical hubs are due to be set up across Oxfordshire by 2027, but the council said an "outreach model" would also be made available in schools and community venues.
The centres are designed as a place where families can get access to support in their local area or be connected to specialist local services.
'Everybody is welcome'
Experts will be available to help with things like breastfeeding or housing concerns, as well as offer advice on children's early development and language.
Families with children with special educational needs will be able to use the hubs until the young person turns 25.
Councillor Sean Gaul, cabinet member for children's services, said, "Everybody is welcome into one of our family hubs.
"Within them, we will have trained and sensitive professionals that will be able to apply intervention if that's required or just somebody to talk to with any concerns you might have within a very safe space."
Discussions are ongoing about where the family hubs will be located, but Mr Gaul said people should get in touch with their county councillor if they feel one is need in their area.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: "It's the driving mission of this government to break the link between a child's background and what they go on to achieve – our new Best Start Family Hubs will put the first building blocks of better life chances in place for more children."