Solihull Council have announced that the borough is set to get seven new Family Hubs, where children and families will be able to receive the support that they need.
With £1 million worth of funding from the central government, these hubs will be established across the borough, so that they are accessible to anyone in need of them, as well as virtual alternatives that will provide appointments for those who are unable to actually get to the hubs.
Quality of life and improving the opportunities available for people in the area are some of the key points in the government’s Levelling Up plan and, even though not specifically designed to level up Solihull, these will contribute to the council achieving this goal.
Cllr 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 that at any other time in their life. Through our Family Hubs, [we] 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.”
Families, as well as children and young people up to the age of 19 years old and those with special needs up to the age of 25 will be able to access a wide range of activities under one roof. These include social activities, support for parents, help for people with special educational needs, playgroups, and youth clubs. Health appointments, including the ability to see midwives are also available, whilst the hubs will be able to provide experts who can help with mental health issues, addictions, and debt as well as adult education.
Solihull Council has collaborated with local charities and the National Health Service on this project and, now that the funding has been received, the Hubs are expected to be up and running by the beginning of 2024.
