Two new 'one-stop shop' family hubs open

A council hopes the new hubs will help give children the best start in life

Two new council-run family hubs have been opened, offering services including parenting advice, child development clinics and youth support.

North Northamptonshire Council held events to open the hubs at Glapthorn Road, Oundle and Newton Road, Rushden.

They act as "one-stop shops" for families, with the aim of giving children the best start in life and supporting parents and carers, the Reform UK-run council said.

Council leader Martin Griffiths said: "The last few years have been a tough time for young people and families and we have to do whatever we can to support them."

He added: "I'm very proud of our expanding family hubs network and I'm delighted to see the great work that is happening right at the heart of our communities."

The council opened its first family hubs in Wellingborough in 2023 and Kettering in 2024 and plans to open a fourth by the end of the year.

Elizabeth Wright, executive member for children, families, education and skills, said they are "friendly and safe spaces for babies, children, young people and their parents or carers to go when they need help and support".

Family hubs date to the early 2000s, when New Labour introduced Sure Start centres - focused on supporting young families with early education, childcare and health advice.

Many closed after 2010 when funding was cut by the Tories, but in 2024 the Conservative government under Rishi Sunak rolled out 400 new "family hubs" across 75 local authorities.

The Labour government recently announced plans to expand the network to up to 1,000 by the end of 2028.