Published: Friday, 08th March 2024
FANTASTIC services for families are set to open across Oldham as our multi-million pound Family Hubs programme is extended across the borough.
Following a public consultation in which more than 600 people had their say, the plans are set to be formally approved by Oldham Council's cabinet committee on Monday 18 March.
The hubs will be a one stop shop for all services that relate to families and children and provide a welcoming space to make it easier for families to access the support they need.
Help and advice set to be on offer will include baby weigh sessions, midwifery, feeding support, play sessions, mental health support for new parents and much more.
Seven Family Hubs will be opened across the borough, with new services at Shaw, Spring Meadows, Medlock Vale, Stanley Road, Alexandra and the Central Library. One Family Hub at Beever Children's Centre, meanwhile, opened in July last year and received hugely positive feedback in the public consultation, with respondents welcoming the help and support they receive from staff there.
The changes will mean "de-designating" some existing buildings that have operated as children's centres, and bringing services into the new Family Hubs, as well as moving some services into other community buildings. All existing services will continue to run in communities, while other new services will be offered on top.
Councillor Shaid Mushtaq, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "Huge thanks to the 650 people who took part in our public consultation, in person and online, and took the time to tell us what you think about our plans to improve services for children and families.
"This is a brilliant opportunity to provide much better services, in revamped buildings, at the heart of our communities - and it was heartening to hear the really positive feedback from people who use Beever Children's Centre, where our first Family Hub is also up and running.
"But the consultation was also an opportunity to hear people's concerns about changes to our services - and we have listened. For example, people in Saddleworth told us that they were worried about the potential to have to travel further to access the help and support they already use.
"That's why, as a result of the feedback, we will be ensuring that the activity sessions run in Coldhurst, Failsworth, Hollinwood and Saddleworth, will continue to offer the same help and support for families until suitable alternative sites within local communities are up and running. We will also be looking to put on additional sessions in Saddleworth to ensure families get the support they need.
"We've taken on board all the feedback we've received and have adapted our plans as a result. I'm so pleased that we can now move ahead with what is a fantastic opportunity to see real investment in how we help families give their children the best possible start in life."
With the new Hubs opening Children's centre buildings in Werneth, Royton, Stockbrook, Holly Grove, St James and Springhead will go through a process called de-designation and will be no longer used as centres. The Coldhurst, Failsworth, Hollinwood and Saddleworth centres will also go through the de-designation process but will continue to offer the same help and support for families until suitable alternative sites within local communities are up and running.
Families don't have to wait for the rest of the Hubs to open to get help now. Our new and improved Family Hubs website is here to offer early years advice, show where you can go to access family activities and much more.
The full Hub proposals and results of the public consultation can be found on the Oldham Council website.