Family hubs across Gateshead are set to benefit from a £3m grant from the Department of Education.
Gateshead Council has announced its share of the department's £300m family hub grant and hopes to offer a "wraparound" support service to children, young people and parents. The council stated services for parents and young people had historically been disjointed and the new hubs will help to centralise support.
The hubs aim to be a "one-stop shop" for advice and guidance on parenting issues such as infant feeding, mental health and relationship building. Parenting classes and health visits will also be available. The new hubs will offer support from conception until 19 or 25 for children and young people with special education needs or disabilities.
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Gateshead Family Hubs will replace the council’s existing children’s centres across the borough and the first will open in early spring 2023.
Councillor Gary Haley, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be bringing the Family Hubs offer to our communities across Gateshead. Our funding will make it possible to bring together an array of support services, from breastfeeding support to employment advice, and hugely improve access to these vital services for the members of our community who need them most.
“By making critical services more accessible to not only parents and young children, but every member of the family, we can support our residents to live thriving lives.”
Councillor and leader of the Gateshead Liberal Democrats Ron Beadle said: "Families in Gateshead are suffering the consequences of Tory economic mismanagement. The Lib Dems congratulate the council for securing resources to address the consequences of Tory failure.
"But we would welcome a general election even more."
There are 13 children's centres currently operating throughout Gateshead, ranging from Chopwell to Leam Lane and Birtley to Teams. Opening times and details regarding the centres' services can be found on Gateshead Council's website.
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