SUPPORT hubs described as ‘vital’ to families across Tameside have been extended for another 12 months.
Family hubs bring together local family services, with the aim of providing every child with the best start in life.
They cater for children and young people up to 19 years old, and up to 25 years old for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Tameside Council has confirmed the hubs – mainly based in Ashton-under-Lyne, Droylsden, Stalybridge and Hyde – will receive a further year of grant funding from the Government’s Department for Education – the amount of which has not been disclosed.
The local authority says there was a 650 per cent increase in the number of people accessing the service from 2023 to 2024, and the number of different free activities and support groups the hubs offer has almost doubled in the last year to 21.
Sessions include Little Explorers to learn through play, breastfeeding and neonatal support, and Baby Babble to develop speech and language skills.
The hubs have improved access to early years’ services, parenting, education, financial and mental health support for families, which has seen children and parents reaping the benefits.
“It’s wonderful to see the difference that the free support at Tameside’s family hubs can provide for our local families,” said Councillor Teresa Smith, Executive Member for Children’s Services.
“We acknowledge the national policy and importance of the vision associated with the first 1,001 critical days of a child’s life, so providing the support network available at our family hubs to all of our parents, carers and young people is vital.
“The Best Start for Life and Family Hubs Programme widely supports all objectives of Tameside Council’s Corporate Plan 2024-2027, and I’m delighted we can continue to deliver on these necessary services.”
More information about Tameside’s family hubs can be found on the council website at https://www.tameside.gov.uk/FamilyHubs