Families Benefit from Boost in Support

Family hubs in South Tyneside are succeeding in helping parents enhance their skills and confidence.

Almost 7,000 families are now accessing the broad range of services offered at the hubs with positive feedback from parents and carers about the provision offered and the staff with whom they build trusting relationships.

A range of better integrated services are offered at the hubs for families and children from conception up to the age of 19 or 25 for those with additional needs.

Around 60 organisations work from the hubs in line with the commitment to provide a 'one-stop-shop' for families although staff work within other locations too as well as in families' homes as part of an effective outreach service.

With teams located at venues across the Borough, families can access the right support at the right time. The core support on offer includes parenting support, early language and home learning, parent-child relationships and infant feeding support with a further range of services based on the needs of the local community.

A report to Borough Council highlights that parents and carers - including those of children with additional needs - have been involved in shaping services at the hubs. A Family Hubs Parent and Carer Panel has been established, with members drawn from a diverse range of families.

With family hubs catering for older children, young people have also been directly involved in shaping activities on offer.

Councillor Adam Ellison, Lead Member for Children and Families' Social Care, said: "By working with parents and capitalising on their strengths, we can help them support their children more effectively and become knowledgeable and resilient families.

 "While still relatively early days, it is clear that the hubs are already making a difference to our families. I look forward to seeing how these hubs continue to develop going forward and seeing what positive impact they have on our children and young people in future years."