Overwhelmed families in boroughs across London will get to visit new hubs to gain expert support for their children in everything from play and communication to healthy eating and school readiness. The Government is launching new Best Start Family Hubs to counter the rise of parents turning to social media in the search of help during their child’s early years and £2.3 million funding is being split among 15 London boroughs.
Each selected borough – including Bromley, Sutton, Ealing and Hillingdon – is getting a grant to set up a Best Start Family Hub in their area, aimed to open from April 2026, to provide all the trusted expert support parents and carers could need under one roof. While the Government is making this additional help a priority, councils continue to target children’s centres when making cost saving cuts with Ealing Council closing 10 earlier this year.
Professor Stephen Scott, Professor Emeritus at King’s College London, and the King’s Maudsley Partnership said: “A new evidence review has found that analysis shows many parents are negatively impacted by the breadth of information available and the weak credibility of some sources can affect their confidence and even prevent them from making key parenting decisions. To help tackle the consequences of ‘information overwhelm’, it’s important for parents to have easily accessible, trusted resources to help cut through online noise and misinformation.”
At a time when many parents find it difficult to know where to go for help and health services face new pressures, with fewer health visitors available and lower vaccination take ups, the funding for each of the 15 boroughs will go towards identifying new sites and recruiting staff.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “In between sleepless nights, potty training and weaning their children, it’s no wonder so many knackered parents feel they need to turn to unverified social media posts for advice about their child’s health and development. But it’s vital they get reliable information.
“When parents get the right advice on things like nutrition, sleep and development, children arrive at school ready to learn, with stronger immune systems and better mental health that can last a lifetime.”
Full list of 15 boroughs and how much funding they are getting
- Barnet (£183,052)
- Bexley (£150,259)
- Bromley (£164,089)
- City of London (£95,880)
- Ealing (£174,082)
- Harrow (£152,188)
- Havering (£153,555)
- Hillingdon (£166,583)
- Kensington and Chelsea (£117,712)
- Kingston upon Thames (£130,635)
- Redbridge (£169,189)
- Richmond upon Thames (£136,701)
- Sutton (£142,347)
- Wandsworth (£150,815)
- Westminster (£126,080)
What are Best Start Family Hubs and what services will be offered?
Think of these hubs as a ‘one-stop shop’ for families with children from pregnancy through the early years and beyond. Services will vary depending on local needs, but you can expect:
- ‘Stay and play’ sessions where you and your child can meet other families
- Parenting advice and courses to boost your confidence
- Support with your child’s language and emotional development
- Health services and advice
- Help with managing children’s behaviour and emotional needs
- Guidance on creating a positive home learning environment
For families with children who have additional needs, each hub will have a trained professional to help you navigate services and connect with local early years settings and health services. They will identify children who may need extra support before starting school and direct parents towards the most appropriate early years settings and health services.
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