New Best Start Family Hubs to boost support for families across Cambridgeshire

Cambridgeshire County Council is expanding support for families in Cambridgeshire with five new Best Start Family Hubs opening today.

The new Best Start Family Hubs are an essential part of the Council’s ambition to ensure fairness and opportunity, wherever we can. Family Hubs bring a wider range of services together under one roof:

• making it easier for families to access the support they need;
• providing joined-up help on a range of issues, including health, childcare, housing and financial wellbeing;
• working closely with local partners and organisations;
• ensuring families can get the right support at the right time.

The council will be opening five new Best Start Family Hubs in Cambourne, Cambridge, Ely, Huntingdon and Wisbech. 

At these five locations, Best Start Family Hubs will replace the existing Child and Family Centres while continuing to provide the trusted support that local families rely on. Services for expectant parents, babies and young children from pregnancy through to age five will remain in place, including Stay and Play sessions, health advice, infant feeding support, early learning opportunities and parenting guidance.

Over time, support will extend to families with children and young people up to age 19, or up to age 25 for those with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). The scheme is part of the new Government programme, being rolled out across the country.

Existing Child and Family Centres across the county will become Best Start network sites, helping to strengthen the Family Hub offer while continuing to provide the trusted support families already know and value. Families will still be able to access activities, advice and services through these local community sites, making it easier to get help close to home.

Best Start Family Hubs are free to use and are open to all families. The new hubs aim to reduce inequalities and enable every child to reach their potential.

A series of launch events is taking place this week at each of the new Best Start Family Hubs in Cambourne, Cambridge, Ely, Huntingdon and Wisbech. Families can drop in to meet staff, learn about all the support available and enjoy activities with their children.

Councillor Edna Murphy, Chair of the Children and Young People’s Committee, said: “Our new Best Start Family Hubs will make it easier for families to access the support they need. It shows our commitment to giving children and young people the best support possible.

“While parenting can be incredibly rewarding, it can also be challenging at times. Family Hubs offer free, friendly and accessible support, helping families feel connected, informed and confident.

“Whether you’re looking for advice, activities for your child, or support with everyday family life, our Family Hubs, network sites and online resources are here to help. I’d encourage families to visit their local hub, where they can expect a warm welcome and a wide range of support.”