As the summer approaches, the City of Wolverhampton Council is excited to announce additional events and programmes at its network of Family Hubs across the city.
The Family Hubs serve as vital one-stop shops, offering support and assistance to children, young people and families when they need it most. A Family Hub is more than just a place; it's a welcoming environment where families can access information and advice from dedicated professionals.
Staff members at the Family Hubs are committed to connecting individuals with the resources and services they need to thrive. There are eight Family Hubs located across the city – Eastfield, Rocket Pool, Graiseley, Bingley, Whitmore Reans, Dove, Low Hill, and The Children's Village in Wednesfield – ensuring that families have convenient access to essential services and support.
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “Our Family Hubs are playing a crucial role in supporting families throughout our communities, serving as inclusive spaces where families can find support, guidance, and opportunities for growth.”
The Family Hubs network offers a wide range of regular services, including:
- Antenatal/Postnatal Care and Support: A Community Midwifery team is based in each Family Hub to provide essential care and support for pregnant and postnatal families. Appointments with a midwife can be booked in advance.
- Breastfeeding Support Groups: Open to all parents, these groups provide a supportive environment for breastfeeding and offer an opportunity to meet other new parents.
- Stay and Plays: Interactive sessions for children aged from birth to five years, promoting socialisation and learning through play.
- Child Development Clinic: Health Visitors offer advice and support to families with pre-school children, promoting child health and wellbeing.
- Financial Well-being: Drop-in sessions providing advice on financial well-being.
- JCP 50 Plus: Sessions to help individuals over 50 enter or return to work, in partnership with Job Centre Plus.
- Department for Work and Pensions Support: Drop-in sessions offering support with employment and housing queries.
In addition, a series of SEND support sessions are taking place at the Family Hubs over the coming weeks, including an Understanding Autism and Understanding Behaviour workshop, drop-in sessions and coffee mornings, to provide valuable insights and support for families with children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Parents and carers are also invited to join a series of free art workshops taking place at all eight Family Hubs. The Creative Communities Wolverhampton project offers participants the opportunity to express themselves through art, meet other parents, and get to know their local centre.
Led by a community artist and community ambassador, these weekly sessions use objects and artworks from the city's galleries as inspiration. Children are welcome to join in, and participants will have the chance to create a display and celebrate their work at the end of the project.
Councillor Coogan added: "We are committed to providing comprehensive support services for families in Wolverhampton, and our Family Hubs are here to empower families and individuals, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive."