Lincolnshire chosen to get new family hub

It'll offer advice to families on topics from mental health to childcare

Family
Author: Andy MarshPublished 6th Apr 2022

Lincolnshire will become one of 75 new areas to get a ‘family hub’, as part of the Government’s Start for Life programme.

The hub will aim to improve local access to childcare, mental health services, housing advice and employment for vulnerable children and families.

We spoke to Boston and Skegness MP Matt Warman about the project.

He said: "Overall the key is to focus on areas that affect families - everything from maternal mental health to breastfeeding support through to things that are more useful as children get older."

"It really is about filling in the gaps and trying to develop something for what Lincolnshire needs."

"They're hubs not just for members of the public to go to if they need them but also hubs for staff to be based in too."

"That's why getting the balance right is going to be different for different parts of the county and different parts of the country."

"It's good Lincolnshire is able to develop its own plans."

"In certain areas Sure Start did great work but there were also things Sure Start didn't do".

"That's why this programme is not just about the start but is about the needs of families and children in particular as they grow up".