Seaside town spending nearly £3m on boosting children's life chances launches new 'family hubs'
14.07.2023 - 12:57
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
New 'family hubs' are being launched in Blackpool as the council spends nearly £3 million on improving children's life prospects. The centres - which are free and open to all - will offer help to families encountering problems as well as preparing children for starting school.
Blackpool has received £2.8m over three years after being chosen as one of 14 initial areas to receive funding from the Government’s £300m investment in a national Family Hubs and Start for Life programme. The hubs have replaced the former council-run children’s centres and are located in the north, central and south areas of the town.
Parents will be able to visit the centres for anything from play sessions for their youngsters to getting support in managing behaviour, or even advice on handling debt. Mums Amy Dickinson, 28, and Aimee Bainbridge, 31, were among those attending the launch of the South Family Hub.
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Amy said: “It’s great as it gets me out of the house and also because you can use their stuff for free, and when you are on maternity leave it can be expensive having to pay for children’s activities. Also the children get so much from it and everyone here is really welcoming and friendly.
“I would really urge other parents to come along and use one of the hubs, and people are spreading the word about them on social media. It’s so important to ensure you get any support you need.”
Aimee, 31, added: “You don’t have to book or anything, you can just come along as and when which is really good.
“It’s nice to talk to the other mums and it’s good for the children to socialise with each other and get involved in activities they can’t do at home. And it’s a