FAMILIES across Tameside are increasingly turning to local family hubs for support and early years activities.
The number of children attending groups has risen sharply over the past two years, according to the council.
Attendance figures show a 500 per cent increase in children accessing sessions, highlighting growing demand for creative, nurturing activities for babies and pre-school aged children, alongside practical support for parents and carers.
The hubs bring together services from Tameside Council and partner organisations in one place, making it easier for families to access early years provision, parenting advice, education support, and help with financial and mental wellbeing.
The aim is to remove barriers and ensure support is available early, before problems escalate.
Sessions are designed to help children develop language and communication skills, build confidence through social interaction, and enjoy play-based learning in a relaxed environment.
Parents and carers are encouraged to join in, helping to strengthen family bonds while meeting others locally.
There are four main family hub sites across the borough, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, Droylsden, Stalybridge and Hyde. Each hub is free to access and open five days a week, offering up to 50 different sessions from Monday to Friday.
Popular activities include Baby Babble, Mini Explorers and Storywalks. Families are also invited to help shape services through Parent Carer Panels, which provide opportunities to share feedback and connect with others.
Councillor Teresa Smith, Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Children’s Services, said the growth in attendance reflects the value of the service to local families.
“Tameside’s family hubs are an invaluable asset in the community, and the team do an amazing job of providing a welcoming and supportive environment for families. Our sessions and groups are for all families and are not benefit-related, so I encourage all parents and carers to come along,” she said.
“We have expanded the number and variety of activities to meet the needs of parents, carers and their children, and ensure the Best Start for Life and Family Hubs Programme reaches as many people as possible.”
More information about services and session times is available at www.tameside.gov.uk/FamilyHubs