Support centres to act as 'one-stop shop' for families

Gloucestershire County Council has spent £35m on children and family centres

Two new family support centres have opened to act as a "one-stop shop" for those in need.

Gloucestershire County Council says it has invested £35m into opening Stroud Children and Family Centre in Stonehouse, and Cotswolds Children and Family Centre in Cirencester.

The new centres will be run by council-appointed charity, Family Action, and the council said they will mean families get the "right support".

Councillor Stephen Davies said the centres would welcome their first clients in the coming weeks.

The Stroud centre is based at The Red Lodge in Stonehouse, while the Cotswolds Children and Family Centre is on Lewis Lane in Cirencester.

An event was held last week, hosted by Mr Davies and Sir David Holmes CBE, chief executive of Family Action, so local organisations who support families could find out more about the centres.

'Reducing inequalities'

Gloucestershire County Council said its centres co-ordinate and facilitate family support activity locally, making it easier for families to find out about the services and support available where they live.

The Aspire Foundation has been appointed to continue service delivery in the children and family centres across the Cheltenham and Tewkesbury districts.

Meanwhile, Barnardos is working in partnership with the county council across Gloucester and the Forest of Dean.

Mr Davies, council cabinet member for children’s safeguarding and early years, said: “We are committed to reducing inequalities and making sure that families receive the right support, in the right place, at the right time, to give all children the best start in life."