More support available to families, thanks to Dorset council’s new Family Hubs

New Family Hubs are already enhancing the lives of parents and carers, with more set to open across Dorset in the coming months. 

Family Hubs are welcoming places that families with children and young people of all ages can visit when they need information, advice, or assistance. They also offer activities and social opportunities to help people feel more connected to their communities and make friends. 

The existing Family Hubs, currently located in Wimborne and Ferndown, are already making a significant difference. One mum said, “The Family Hub helped me bond with my daughter. It made a significant difference during a challenging time." 

She added, “One memorable moment was when I had my third child and was really struggling. I didn’t know what to do, and there was no one around. I walked in here, found support, and felt safe. It was a place where I could cry and let it all out, which was a significant relief.” 

Family Hubs offer various services for families, babies, children, and young people, including those with special education needs and disabilities. 

Services include stay-and-play sessions, health visiting, midwifery appointments, parenting advice and support, and informative sessions on a variety of well-being topics. 

The friendly teams at both sites are always on hand to support, advice, and guidance whenever needed. 

People have mentioned that beyond accessing support, the centres have also helped them feel more connected in their local community and meet other parents. 

In addition to the existing Family Hubs already open at Leigh Park in Wimborne and The Centre in Ferndown, two more are set to open their doors in Bridport and Wareham by the end of the year. 

This is part of an ongoing project, and more Family Hubs are planned to open throughout 2024. This will include Littlemoor, Portland, Dorchester, Weymouth, and the North Dorset area. 

As part of this initiative, an online Family Hub is currently being developed to make it even easier for families to access information and assistance conveniently from any location at any time. 

Cllr Byron Quayle, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, and Early Help, said: “It’s great to see the significant effect that Family Hubs are already having on the community.” 

“This is part of our wider priority that everyone is able to access the help that they need when they need it, and this initiative is a key part of achieving that.” 

As the doors to Family Hubs open across the Dorset Council area, families are encouraged to drop in, meet the team, and find out more about how this service could help them. 

Families can find out more about the Family Hub offers at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/family-hubs or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dorsetfis/groups.