Public health news: South Tyneside Family Hubs

Public health news: December 2024

Thousands of families have accessed South Tyneside Hubs in 2024. They have taken advantage of better services from conception up to the age of 19 (or 25 for those with additional needs).

Family Hubs provide a range of services offering high quality information, advice and support to families. This helps families to access the right support at the right time. The support on offer includes:

• parenting support,
• early language and home learning,
• parent-child relationships, and
• infant feeding support.

Louise Taylor, from Jarrow, is just one of over 5,000 parents and carers who has used the Family Hubs. She told us what a big impact the Family Hub has had on her family. Louise said: "I didn't know many people when I moved to the area, and I felt isolated. I really struggled with anxiety, but when I started attending Bede Family Hub, I instantly felt welcomed. It's given me a sense of belonging. I'm now a lot more confident and the Family Hub has given me a place to socialise and make new friends."

Parenthood brings all sorts of challenges. Our Family Hubs provide a 'one-stop-shop' that offers the right support at the right time. Families only need to tell their story once and they will receive all the help they need.

Louise added that she isn't the only member of the family who has felt the benefits since attending the Family Hubs. "I've grown so much as a parent and that means that my kids are growing too. I've attended the 'HENRY' programme and that gave me the skills to help us live a healthier and happier lifestyle. I'm able to manage my child's behaviour better which makes home life so much more manageable and means my children have a really happy and supportive home environment.

I go to the playgroup every Monday and try to attend individual sessions too. During the holidays I'm able to take my older child and he sees the Family Hub as a safe and welcoming space.

I'd encourage any parent or carer to give it a try and see for themselves what is on offer."

Natalie Padget, Early Years Practitioner, has witnessed Louise's journey firsthand and says she couldn't be prouder of the progress she has made. "I'm so happy for Louise and I'm so proud of her.

Her confidence has grown so much since coming along to the Hubs. She's even supporting other parents with information and advice. It's fantastic to see her own children thriving. It's been an absolute pleasure working with her and her family,"

Watch Louise's story on YouTube.