Stockport Council marks 12 months of One Stockport Family Hubs

Stockport Council is highlighting the support delivered 12 months since launching One Stockport Family Hubs across the borough.

There are now seven Family Hubs networks launched across Stockport, three Family Hubs buildings, and 24 Family Hubs bridge sites, including in the borough’s libraries, Life Leisure Hubs and Stockport Homes. Online information is also available 24/7 through the service’s website. The Family Hubs support children and young people from pre-birth up to age 19, or 25 for young adults with special needs.

The hubs bring together existing early help and community offers within a neighbourhood to create open access to information, help and support for children, young people and families. Support covers all aspects of family life, from early help with infants to support with teenagers and school leavers, as well as broader issues such as cost of living, debt and parental mental health.

Cllr Meikle, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, said:

“We recognise that families need support from different services and groups as their children grow, and it can be difficult for them to know where to look for information. So by bringing together all the support available into friendly, convenient places in local communities, there is more chance they can find the help they need, and sooner, before their needs escalate. Thanks to our partners and community groups in Stockport, children, young people and their families can now make the most of all the information and services available.”

Networks of joined-up support are provided by Stockport Council, NHS and wider partners including the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector to support people where they feel most comfortable.

One parent, said of the help they received to support their child’s behaviour and emotions, said:

“You have learnt [sic] me and my family so much and I feel like myself and my children are really finding our feet and we are now working together as a family. When I first reached out for help, I really felt my life getting extremely difficult and I just couldn’t seem to cope very well. With your help I am feeling a lot more in control and confident with my parenting strategies. You have helped me so much and I’m so grateful for what we have achieved.”

Cllr Meikle continued:

“One Stockport Family Hubs are a great example of our One Stockport Local approach, focussing on connected communities and prioritising putting people at the heart of what we do. We understand that even the smallest new connection can make a big difference in a family’s life, leading to a significant positive impact.”