The expansion of Stockport’s recently introduced Family Hubs is continuing, with three more networks being launched last week in Bramhall, Cheadle and Marple to help improve the lives of children, young people and families.

One Stockport Family Hubs are networks of support enabling easier access to information and help on all aspects of family life. They bring together the council, NHS and voluntary sector groups in local neighbourhoods to provide a `one-stop-shop` for early help, public health, and support services. They support children and young people from pre-birth up to age 19, or 25 for young adults with special needs.

They are based on the nationally recognised Stockport Family model which integrates NHS services and incorporates successful local services such as Start Well and Mosaic.

One Stockport Family Hubs support is available in different ways:

• Visit a Family Hub site in the new locations in Bramhall, Cheadle and Marple, or one of the already existing sites in Brinnington, Adswood, Reddish, and other areas of Stockport. With all Stockport libraries now offering family support, more families have local access to information, help, and support with all aspects of family life. To find your nearest Family Hubs access point, visit the One Stockport Family Hubs web pages for a complete list and map

• You can access Family Hubs support in your community from friendly staff who know local families and have received Family Hubs training. Community partners in the Family Hubs network include local libraries, Life Leisure Hubs and now also Stockport Homes.

• Families across Stockport can also use the online Family Hub anytime, any day, to find information, help and support.

Cllr Wendy Meikle, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education said: “We want to ensure parents, young people and children are supported and know where they can turn for information and help on all aspects of family life. There is now a clear and simple way for families with children of all ages to access help and support through our Family Hubs network and One Stockport Local community partners.”

 “One Stockport Family Hubs form a vital part of One Stockport Local, which is bringing together help and support to make it easier for people to help themselves, their families, and those they care for. Family Hubs, whether in local neighbourhoods or accessed digitally, are places where information, help and support can be easily found in one place.”

Nic Firth, Chief Nurse at NHS Stockport Foundation Trust said: “For years, our midwives, health visitors and school nurses have been working together with Stockport Council as part of Stockport Family, bringing health services closer to where children and their families live, learn and play. Family Hubs take this effective model further, joining up more support at a local level, and providing good care and support for families with children of all ages.”