Solihull Council has approved the funding for a number of Family Hubs to be located across the borough, which will provide a ‘one-stop’ shop, enabling the best start in life for children and families in Solihull.
Approval was granted at the Council’s cabinet meeting on Thursday 7 September, which has given the green light for a transformation programme of existing sites into Family Hubs. They will offer joined up 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 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 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. With experts to help with debt, mental health issues and addictions as well as adult education and much more. 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 Portfolio Holder - Adult Social Care and Health, said:
“We know that investment in early years can have a big impact on outcomes for children and families; 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 SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) support and advice. To ensure that the service is available to all residents, we plan to include enhanced outreach services in addition to the four new sites. 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.”
Solihull Council has been awarded £1 million of transformational funding from the Department for Education (DfE) to develop a Family Hub offer. The Council has worked closely with the NHS and local charities to create the scheme, with the venues scheduled to be open in March 2024.
If you have any questions or comments and want to get in touch with the Family Hubs team directly, please email familyhubs@solihull.gov.uk