Solihull children and families will benefit from new Family Hubs where they’ll be able to get the support and services they need. The Council has got £1m from the Government to create up to seven Hubs spread across the borough making sure they are easy for people to get to, with digital alternatives such as virtual appointments and online group sessions for those who can’t.
The aim is to give children and families the best start in life through a ‘one-stop’ shop approach. A Hub will offer a whole range of activities under one roof for families with children and young people up to 19 years old, and up to 25 for young people with additional needs.
They will offer health appointments, including seeing midwives and health visitors, social activities, support for parents, help for people with special educational needs, playgroups and youth clubs.
These new Hubs will also provide experts to help with debt, mental health issues and addictions as well as adult education and much more.
The Council has worked closely with the NHS and local charities to put this project together. Now the funding has been secured it is anticipated the Hubs will be up and running by the start of 2024.
Councillor Tony Dicicco Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, said:
“It’s great that we have been successful in getting this money so that we can invest in our families and children. Experts agree that the care given during the first 1,001 days of life has more influence on a child’s future than at any other time in their life. Through our Family Hubs will be able to give families and children the help they need, when they need it close to where they live. This is fantastic news.
“We now have to find suitable sites in the heart of our communities for our Family Hubs and work closely with the other organisations to make sure our ambitious early help offer to Solihull children and families gives them the best possible start in life.”