Families flock to fully reopened Family Hubs

More than 600 families have already visited one or more of North East Lincolnshire’s Family Hubs since they reopened fully in September last year.

The Council was one of 75 Local Authorities to have been chosen to pilot the Start For Life and Family Hubs Programme and, prior to September 2023, the centres had been operating reduced opening times since the COVID pandemic.

The hubs aim to make a positive difference to parents, soon-to-be parents, carers and their children by joining up services, making them easier to access and being seen as a ‘one stop shop’ for support.

There are seven hubs across the borough:

• Central – Edward Street, Grimsby
• East Marsh – Victor Street, Grimsby
• Immingham – Margaret Street, Immingham
• Nunsthorpe – Sutcliffe Avenue, Grimsby
• Queensway – Binbrook Way, Grimsby
• Reynolds – Machray Place, Cleethorpes
• West Marsh – Macaulay Street, Grimsby.

Some activities require parents and carers to have appointments booked such as Speech and Language Support, the Midwifery Antenatal Clinic and Health Development Checks. Antenatal activities and Baby Rhyme Time also give parents and carers the opportunity to make friends. These free activities have allowed local parents to get the answers they’re seeking as well as make special memories with their babies.

Whilst all the hubs are open, four hubs – Immingham, Nunsthorpe  Reynolds and East Marsh – have the full Start for Life offer activities.

However, by March 2024, the other three – Queensway, West Marsh and Central – will also have the full offer.

There are opportunities to have your say on what is going on in family hubs with our monthly parent carer forums. If you are interested please email [email protected]

Margaret Cracknell, Portfolio Holder for Education and Children, said: “The work these family hubs are doing across our borough is nothing short of amazing.

“The fact that more than 600 families have visited them in their first five months of being fully open is testament to the exceptional support and advice they provide for parents and carers across North East Lincolnshire.

“We were honoured to be chosen as one of only 75 authorities to pilot the Start To Life scheme and are delighted to say it has been a complete success.”

For more information on the different hubs and activities they offer, visit Family hubs | NELC (nelincs.gov.uk)