Northumberland is set to benefit from a share of multi-million-pound funding to transform its children’s centres into Family Hubs that give young people of all ages the best start in life.  
 

The county’s network of Sure Start Children’s Centres currently provide a wide range of support services for children aged 0-5 and their families. 

As Family Hubs, this support will be rolled out to all young people from birth through to adulthood, making a difference to and improving outcomes for children, young people and their families. 
 

Midwives, health visitors, early years and mental health professionals, youth workers, and a host of other services - including relationship, parenting, and financial advice – will be brought together into a vibrant one-stop-shop that meets the needs of family life for young people of all ages.  
 

As well as bringing investment into the current children’s centres across the county – the Family Hubs will also build on lessons learned during the pandemic and will offer online and virtual services too, so that support can be as accessible as possible.  
 

Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson, cabinet member with responsibility for children’s services, said: “We’re really fortunate in Northumberland to have retained a network of fantastic Sure Start Children’s Centres that are at the heart of their communities. 
 

“We are delighted that we are to benefit from a share of this transformative Government funding to build on all that good work and extend the offer beyond the 0-5 age range to all families regardless of the ages of their children.  
 

“This supports  our priorities under our Children and Young People Plan and the Early Help Strategy to ensure all children and young people have the best start in life and services intervene early at any age to prevent escalation of emerging issues. 
 

“Family life brings with it all kinds of challenges, with significant needs still emerging during primary and secondary school years and now we can be there every step of the way to provide support and advice.  
 

“As well as investing in the hubs themselves, so that they can play an even more central role in the community – we are also investing in our digital offer so that everyone in the county can benefit, no matter where they live.” 
 

Northumberland is one of 75 local authorities announced as eligible for a share of £302 million to create new Family Hubs in their areas.  
 

Education Secretary, Nadhim Zahawi, said: “If we are to level up outcomes for children facing the biggest challenges, this needs to start at home.  

“Being part of a stable, loving family gives a child an early advantage, which is why we are investing so significantly in helping every family to access the vital services that help them and their children thrive.” 
 

Consultation is getting underway in communities to find out more about the services that children, young people and their families would like to see at the Hubs.