New Government Family Hub’s Rollout to Support Local Families and Children

New Government Family Hub’s Rollout to Support Local Families and Children

Parents and carers in North West Leicestershire are set to benefit from a major government investment in family services, as the rollout of Best Start Family Hubs is confirmed.

The initiative, backed by over £500 million in funding, will provide much-needed support for families with young children, helping over 500,000 children nationwide to thrive. The hubs will act as a ‘one-stop shop’ for families, offering advice and services covering everything from parenting support, mental health, and infant feeding, to housing advice, debt support and early years learning.

Amanda Hack has welcomed the news, saying:

“This is fantastic news for families across North West Leicestershire. Too often, parents struggle to find the right help when they need it most, whether that’s support with parenting, housing, early child development, or just meeting with other new mums and dads to share experiences. We’re fortunate to already have a small number Family Hubs. I’m excited for us to build on that and expand provision more widley across the constituency.

The government’s Best Start Family Hubs will ensure that help is available right at the heart of our communities, making it easier for families to access vital services and giving children the very best start in life. Families shouldn’t be left without the help they need, and I’m pleased the government is listening and investing in early years support.

These hubs will not only make family life easier, just as Sure Start Centres did under the last Labour Government, but will help ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed, no matter their background or postcode, continuing our mission to break down the barriers to opportunity.”

Nationally, around 1 in 4 families with children under five currently lack access to family hubs or children’s centres, rising to 1 in 3 among lower-income households. The new plan aims to close this gap by launching up to 1,000 hubs by the end of 2028.

Additionally, a new Best Start digital service will give parents quick access to trusted guidance online and connect them directly to local family hubs and the NHS App.

This announcement forms a key part of the government’s wider Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life strategy, which sets out plans to make family life easier for millions of parents, including through initiatives such as expanded free childcare, free school breakfast clubs, extending free school meal eligibility and capping the cost of branded uniforms.