Heatons and Reddish Families Delight in Arrival of One Stockport Family Hubs
The picture depicts Councillor Wendy Meikle, Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Families, alongside families at the launch of One Stockport Family Hubs in Heatons and Reddish.
One Stockport Family Hubs have been established to provide a network of support for families, making it easier for them to access information and assistance on various family-related issues. These hubs bring together the council, NHS, and voluntary sector organisations in local communities to create a convenient ‘one-stop-shop’ for early help, public health, and support services for children and young people up to the age of 19, or 25 for young adults with special needs.
Councillor Wendy Meikle expressed her delight at the opening of more of these essential hubs, emphasising the importance of having a central location within the community where families can seek in-person guidance and support when needed. The aim is to enhance the lives of families by simplifying the process of accessing necessary information and assistance.
The One Stockport Family Hubs offer support in various ways, including visiting hub sites in different locations across Stockport, receiving assistance from knowledgeable staff in the community, and accessing online resources for information and support. These hubs are based on the successful Stockport Family model, which integrates NHS services and incorporates local services like Start Well and Mosaic.
Nic Firth, Chief Nurse at NHS Stockport Foundation Trust, highlighted the collaborative efforts between health services and Stockport Council through the Stockport Family initiative, and praised the Family Hubs for further enhancing support at a local level for families with children of all ages.
Support provided by the Family Hubs covers a wide range of areas such as infant feeding, mental health support, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and practical guidance on various aspects of family life. Stockport is among the Local Authorities receiving funding to develop and implement Family Hubs, with plans to establish hub networks across the borough by September 2024.
