CONSULTATION on a new model of 'one-stop-shop' style support for Wirral families is set to continue with a series of workshops next month.
Family Hubs are described as places "where families can easily access a wide range of non-judgemental support to help them live well. They will provide support for a range of topics covering social care, education, mental health and physical health."
With education settings, community, voluntary and faith sector organisations already involved, members of the public are also being asked to share their invaluable insights into the project.
A successful bid for funding from the Department for Education’s Family Hub Transformation Fund awarded last year is enabling Wirral Council and partners to develop Family Hubs across Wirral, each offering the same core services, with extra support tailored to the needs of the local communities they serve.
The plan is open a number of Family Hubs across the borough, with each one having a core offer and support to meet the needs of the local community it serves.
The Hubs will serve families with children aged 0-19 (up to age 25 with SEND) prioritising ease of access, building connections and strengthening relationships. Family Hubs will also provide information and support to adults in those families, whether that may be for women’s health issues, or advice on lifelong learning and employment.
The residents’ workshops in June – which follow on from an initial two events that took place on May 18 – will be another opportunity for people to voice their ideas of what a family hub should look like, feel like and most importantly, how they can support real people and real communities.
Parents and carers of young people in Wirral can share their ideas at three further Family Hub workshops at the following locations:
- New Ferry: Windsor Close Community Centre, Windsor House, New Ferry, Bebington. CH62 5BZ. Tuesday 13th June at 9.30am—11.30am.
- Woodchurch: Ganney’s Meadow, New Hey Road, Woodchurch. CH49 8HB. Friday 16th June at 9am –11am and from 1pm—3pm.
- West Kirby: Cub and Calf Parent Hub, 2a Grange Rd, West Kirby. CH48 4HA. Wednesday 21st June at 9.30am-11.30am.
Anyone that wants to book to secure their place on one of the above dates can email michellerichards@wirral.gov.uk. Alternatively, people can just turn up on the day.
Elizabeth Hartley, assistant director of children’s services for Wirral Council, said: "Family Hubs are a way of bringing existing services together to make it easier for families to get the information, advice and support they need to thrive.
"Collaborating with families, young people, individuals who have lived experience accessing support, is really important to us, I would encourage anybody who thinks they may have any thoughts on how the family hubs should be developed, however big or small, to attend this session and join the conversation".
