Families dancing and the joyful laughter of children was the order of the day at Dearne Family Hub in Thurnscoe, as we celebrated the latest Family Hub official opening on Thursday, 15 February.
Following a ribbon cutting ceremony by Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, Cllr Wendy Cain, families were warmly welcomed inside the Hub to meet a wide range of family support services who can offer expert guidance in the local community whenever they need it.
As well as the activities provided at the Hub, including messy play, a children’s entertainer and sensory room, Jiggy Wrigglers were on hand to get everyone moving and shaking. The Ultimate Gaming Arena provided much entertainment, with fun games for children and their parents to take part in.
Following on from the successful Pilot Family Hub launch and public consultation in August 2023, new Family Hub and Start for Life Hub openings are the next step in delivering our family and start for life services, providing support for families with children aged from 0 up to 19 years old (and up to 25 for young people with special education needs and disabilities).
Our range of professionals, including health visitors, early help workers, midwives and mental health support services, employment advisors and adult learning and lots of other partners will be on hand at the centres, so families can receive the right help at the right time.
Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, Cllr Wendy Cain, said: “It was wonderful to see so many families enjoying the Dearne Hub opening event, from families who are already regular visitors, to new people who will be able to benefit from the services on offer here.
“Our Family Hubs are a one stop shop where families can access support and services from our amazing team of professionals who work together to address any challenges families might be facing.”
The Family Hubs and Start for Life project is a £3.4 million investment over 3 years to make sure families flourish in the Barnsley area. From birth right the way through to young adulthood, we're here for you through Family Hubs, which are easily accessible throughout the borough.
As well as accessing Family Hubs buildings, Barnsley families will also be able to access a wide range of services and activities in other community locations through our Family Hubs in the Community, and online on the Virtual Family Hub.
Further Family Hub centres will open in Grimethorpe, Athersley, Wombwell and Penistone in the coming weeks.
For further information you can visit the Virtual Family Hub: https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/virtualfamilyhubs or Family Hubs Facebook page: facebook.com/BarnsleyFamilyHubs
