A newly transformed space for families has officially opened providing a one-stop shop for health services and support for parents and children of all ages.
The new Family Hub in Sandown (former family centre building) offers families a single access point to integrated family support with services for early help with social, emotional, physical, and financial needs.
The Sandown Family Hub will be open 8.30am - 4.30pm, five days a week (Monday – Friday) offering support for families from conception until the age of 19 (or 25 for young people with special educational needs and disabilities).
Councillor Debbie Andre, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, cut the ribbon at the official launch, to open the doors of the refurbished building and welcome the community inside.
Speaking at the ceremony, Debbie Andre said:
“I am honoured to be opening the Island's first Family Hub. This marks a change in how we’re approaching services for families on the Island.
"This Family Hub brings services and multiple organisations together to make it easier for families – no matter what form they take – to access vital local services to help improve health and education outcomes.
“This builds on the foundations and progress already made through our previous and ongoing family centre initiatives across the Island. Our Family Centres have already made great strides to support children and families, particularly in the early years of a child’s development. We are committed to building on this with the Family Hub model."
The former Sandown Family’s Centre building has been rebranded and with work underway to redesign it's outdoor area, it will also be getting new resources and equipment to further support the community.
The Isle of Wight Council works with key partners Barnardo’s in providing this service for Island Families.
Helen Figgins, Assistant Director of Childrens Services for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Barnardo’s said:
“We are delighted to help provide the Family Hub and Centre service and are excited to be a part of how we are developing and expanding these services with partners to provide a one stop shop for families to access information and services to support having the best start for life.
"The Family Hubs provide maternity support, health visiting services, advice on getting into work, speech and language support, antenatal and parenting programmes, breastfeeding support, baby stay and plays and support groups all under one roof. There is also support for children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) up to age 25."
Debbie Price, Area Director for the Isle of Wight (Childrens and Families) said:
“We know that being a parent can be both joyful and challenging at times, but the Family Hub is a warm and inviting space for you to get the support you need five days a week.
“The Family Hubs programme on the Island will grow even further this year and as we launch a further two Family Hubs in Ryde and Newport in October at the previous family centre sites.
“This is great news for families on the Island as the three flag-ship hubs will be able to offer more flexibility and services to families, and with set open hours so you can just drop in when you need to. We plan to bring in even more services to all three hubs by 2025 which will include further support with youth offending, financial and career advice.
“The other six Family Centres, which play such an important role in supporting their local communities will still be offering their appointments and group sessions as usual.”
In addition to the new Sandown Family Hub, Fairway, Sandown, PO36 9EQ, there will be two additional Family Hub buildings being launched in October.
These will be Ryde Family Hub, George Street, Ryde, PO33 2JF and Newport Family Hub, Newport, Furlongs, PO30 2AX. The other six remaining Family Centres on the Island will continue to support their local communities in the same format.
An open day is planned to launch the Newport Family Hub where the public are invited to come along to one of the planned sessions between 10am and 3pm on Wednesday 25 October.
The event is great for anyone who has not been to a Family Hub or Centre before or would like to be reminded of the services on offer. The event will feature stalls promoting family services, entertainment, and refreshments.
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