This week I was really pleased to be at the opening of four new Family Hubs across Reading, funded by the Government as part of its Best Start in Life strategy.
In Reading, we want every family to know there is somewhere they can turn to for support – from pregnancy, through the teenage years and into early adulthood. These hubs are designed to do just that. We know that Sure Start made a significant difference to the long-term positive outcomes for children from birth, reducing hospitalisations, enhancing educational achievement and supporting families. It is great to see the Government enhancing funding for Family Hubs so they can deliver for Reading children, young people and families what Sure Start delivered in the past.
Located at existing popular sites in Whitley, Ranikhet, Sun Street and Southcote – across all four corners of Reading – these are safe, welcoming spaces at the heart of our communities. They will deliver emotional support for new parents, wellbeing sessions for young people, housing advice, help with speech and language, ‘stay and play’ for under 5s and much more.
They bring together a wide range of services under one roof (or four roofs). They have all had signing refreshed, alongside a new timetable of both physical and digital services, delivered during extended opening hours of 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
If you are already familiar with the four buildings, rest assured all services previously offered at these sites will continue as normal.
This week a launch event took place at the Whitley location – South Reading Family Hub – and it was good to have two of our local MP’s Olivia Bailey, and Yuan Yang join us to see for themselves what is on offer.
The opening saw craft sessions focused on welcoming and belonging, partner stalls showcasing upcoming activities, and young people enjoying the refreshed space.
It’s fair to say one of the most damaging impacts of the relentless cuts local councils faced under previous government’s was the hollowing out of essential preventative services like these, particularly those which affected young people and families, which is why the opening of these four hubs is so very welcome.
The Council has worked with the health, employment, training, housing and wider voluntary sector to design an offer that responds directly to what the people of Reading say is needed. I am incredibly grateful for all the hard work that has gone on behind the scenes, and I am excited to welcome families, children and young people to the town’s new Family Hubs, right in the heart of Reading’s communities.
By Cllr Liz Terry, leader of Reading Borough Council
