The Rt Hon Dame Andrea Leadsom MP visited BCP Council’s Family Hub in Boscombe to see how families in the area are benefiting from the government’s Family Hub Transformation Fund.

Dame Andrea champions the ‘Best Start for Life’ programme, which sets out how more accessible and integrated services can support the first 1001 days of a child’s life.

As part of this programme, BCP Council received an additional £883k funding boost in the form of a Family Hub Transformation Grant from the Department of Education.

This will transform the council’s existing children centre provision into a minimum of six hubs, now offering support to children from pre-birth up to 25-years-old.

Accompanied by BCP Council Children’s Service’s staff, Dorset’s director of Public Health, partners and councillors, Dame Andrea met the Midwifery and Health Visitor teams and was present for a baby massage class.

Cllr Mike White, portfolio holder for Children and Young People, said: “This is one of the most exciting programmes that we’re going to deliver in the next few years, and I was delighted to welcome Dame Andrea to Boscombe to see the great work we are doing.”

Cathi Hadley, director of Children’s Services, said: “The right support provided at the earliest opportunity can make all the difference. This family hub transformation project will expand on the previous success of our children’s centres, which supported children from pre-birth up to five-years-old.

“These strong foundations mean we can make ambitious plans to deliver services to support more young people, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their parents and carers.”

Viv Allen, founder and CEO of DorPIP, a local partner organisation that deliver infant massage classes through the Family Hubs, as well as parent infant psychotherapy online, said: “We’re thrilled to be part of an integrated system that empowers families through therapeutic support and education.

“Our mission is to ensure every baby flourishes through sensitive, attuned parenting, early bonding, and healthy attachment, giving them the best start in life.”

“I have been part of the ‘first 1001 days movement’ since Dame Andrea launched the cross-party manifesto in 2013!

Following her visit to the Boscombe Hub, the MP travelled to BCP Civic Centre for a roundtable discussion with key strategic leads on the Family Hub transformation project.