For many years, Cambridgeshire’s Child and Family Centres supported families - particularly during pregnancy and the early years. We are now moving to the Family Hub approach (GOV.UK) - part of a national programme.
Best Start Family Hubs provide a range of support for families with children and young people aged 0 to19 years, or up to 25 years for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This means families can get help more easily, for longer, and in a more joined‑up way.
We build on existing local services, identify where additional support is needed, and develop new opportunities to ensure families can easily access the right help at the right time. Our aim is to create a welcoming network of support that helps children thrive and families feel connected, confident and supported.
Support provided by Best Start Family Hubs
Families can access:
- parenting support and guidance, particularly during pregnancy and the early years of a child’s life
- advice and practical ideas to help children learn, grow and achieve their potential
- support to build resilience, confidence and independence, helping children and young people develop the skills they need for the future
- emotional wellbeing support for parents and carers, especially during pregnancy and the first years of parenthood
- infant feeding information and guidance, including support with breastfeeding and feeding choices
- accessible information, advice and resources online, helping families find support quickly and easily
- opportunities to connect with local services, groups and activities, creating stronger family and community networks.
Prior to becoming Best Start Family Hub and Network Sites, these services were delivered through Child and Family Centres across Cambridgeshire. Child and Family Centres provided a wide range of support for children, young people and families, including early years services, parenting programmes, health support, stay-and-play activities, family support, and advice on education, wellbeing and child development. They played an important role in helping families access information, guidance and practical support within their local communities. The Family Hubs model will build and enhance this offer.
Together, we are working with families, communities and partner organisations to ensure that every child has the opportunity to be happy, healthy and achieve their full potential.
Best Start Family Hubs and Network Sites
There are five Best Start Family Hubs in Cambourne, Ely, Huntingdon, Wisbech and Cambridge. Best Start Family Hubs are warm, welcoming, inclusive, and play-friendly spaces at the heart of local communities. They act as one-stop shops where families can drop in, make connections and get trusted information and advice.
Best Start Network Sites will be additional local venues that extend the reach of the Family Hubs model ensuring support is available closer to where families live. Network Sites offer access to services, activities, and signposting within local communities, helping to create a wider and more accessible network of support across Cambridgeshire.
Our centres are listed on the directory.
Contact Best Start Family Hubs
Each Best Start Family Hub is managed by a different district team.
Cambridge City
Tel: 01223 728 118
Email: FamilyHubs.Cambridge@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Cambridge City Facebook page
East Cambridgeshire
Tel: 01353 611 594
Email: FamilyHubs.Eastcambs@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
East Cambs Facebook page
Fenland Tel: 01945 482 989
Email: FamilyHubs.Fenland@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
March, Chatteris and Whittlesey Facebook page
Wisbech Facebook page
Huntingdonshire
Tel: 01480 372 700
Email: FamilyHubs.Huntingdonshire@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Huntingdon Facebook page
South Cambridgeshire
Tel: 01954 284672
Email: FamilyHubs.SouthCambs@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
South Cambs Facebook page
