Gloucestershire celebrates launch of county's first Best Start Family Hub
The event marked an important development in Gloucestershire County Council's Family Hubs Network. The network is expanding due to funding of £3.6 million through the government’s Best Start programme.
Best Start Family Hubs aim to give every child the best possible start by making it easier for families to access support, advice and activities from pregnancy through to age five.
Over the next three years, a Best Start Family Hub will be established in every district, helping to enhance Gloucestershire's Family Hubs Network alongside Children and Family Centres, Youth Hubs, community-based services and the Virtual Family Hub.
Visitors enjoyed a range of free family activities throughout the day and had the opportunity to meet professionals from across local services, learn more about the support available in their community and find out how the new Best Start offer will benefit families. The event also showcased advice and support available on topics including school readiness, infant feeding, healthy eating, play, child development and home safety.
Best Start Family Hubs build on the existing Family Hub Network, bringing together services and support in one welcoming place. The enhanced approach places a stronger focus on supporting families during pregnancy and a child's earliest years, helping parents and carers access the right support at the right time.
Cllr Ben Evans, cabinet member for children and young people at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "Every child deserves the best possible start in life, and Friday’s launch at Bartongate was an important step towards achieving that ambition.
"Best Start Family Hubs will make it easier for families to find support, advice and services in one place, helping children thrive from pregnancy through to starting school and beyond.
"We're delighted to launch Gloucestershire's first Best Start Family Hub and look forward to seeing this approach expand across the county."
The development of Best Start Family Hubs is supported through Gloucestershire's Family Hubs Network and forms part of wider efforts to improve outcomes for babies, young children and families by providing joined-up, accessible support within local communities.
Residents can find out more about Best Start Family Hubs and the support available to families through Gloucestershire's Family Hub Network by visiting the Family Hubs website.
Watch the video here: Best Start in Life family hubs - Bartongate launch celebration 🎨🫧🎉