Families in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch are to be given added help and support thanks to a boost of £883,000 to BCP Council from the government’s Family Hub Transformation Fund.

Children’s centres which previously supported children from pre-birth up to five-years-old will be transformed into family hubs offering support from pre-birth up to 25-years-old.

They will also support young people with special educational needs and disabilities, and their parents and carers.

A wide range of key partners including health, education, early years, police and voluntary sector, will help deliver the family hub service, with each hub being unique, and co-produced with those living and working in the local community.

Families will also be able to access services online 24/7.

Cllr Mike White, portfolio holder for Children and Young People, said: “The current cost of living crisis combined with the effects of the global pandemic have had a huge impact on local children, young people and families.

“We are committed to doing all that we can to help. The right support provided at the earliest opportunity can make all the difference. The family hub transformation project will enable BCP Council and our partners in health and the community to provide this support and help our next generation to reach their full potential.”

The views of children, young people, families and professionals will be essential in the development of family hub services.

Cathi Hadley, director of Children’s Services, said: “Family hubs are one-stop-shops for family services, and we’re committed to ensuring that families have local and improved access to these high-quality and non-stigmatising services.

“This will be one of our most exciting programmes that we’re going to deliver on in the next few years and I look forward to working with our communities and partners to achieve brighter futures for our children and young people.”

Multi-agency services will be delivered through family hub buildings located throughout Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, as well as local venues that families are familiar with, such as schools and other community buildings.

Staff will be able to help families with a range of information and advice and support either face to face, by email or telephone at times to fit in with busy family lives.