Newcastle City Council has unveiled a new hub that will support the city’s young people, with an expansion to the Outer West of the city,
Following the redevelopment an un-used school building, the hub will be operated by children’s charity Action for Children and is a new addition to the current offering of Children and Families Hubs across Newcastle. These hubs offer support right from conception, up to the age of 19, however children with special education needs and disabilities may receive support up the age of 25.
The development of the new hub follows the awarding of £3.6 million of investment from the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme, whilst also receiving support from Lemington Riverside Primary School to transform the un-used building. Hubs such as this new one allow children and families to access social spaces that can be used for a range of practical, educational and wellbeing activities. These will be shaped through local community input and include services such as:
- Health visiting
- Family support
- Community midwifery
- Mental health support
- Children’s therapies
- Youth provision
- Training opportunities
- Childcare
- Employability services
Councillor Lesley Storey, Cabinet Member for a growing city at Newcastle City Council, said:
“I am delighted to hear that we are adding to the already successful Children and Families Newcastle Hubs which have been offering valuable support to the city’s families and young people over the past two years.
“Our continued development of these community-based support services demonstrates our commitment to giving children and young people the best possible start in life by helping to build strong, supported families.”
First launched in 2021, the Children and Families Newcastle Hubs were introduced to bring services and organisations together to offer support for babies, children, young people, and their families that is community based, accessible and joined-up. Wraparound services are also used to make a difference to those who are in need of additional support, including advice on getting into work, relationship building and stop smoking services.
Action for Children’s Deputy Director of children’s services in England, Catherine Joyce, added:
“We have been delivering services in Newcastle for almost 30 years and we have seen the real difference hubs like Charlton Street help make families across the city.
“We know hubs such as these can be a lifeline for families, and we are pleased to extend out offering in the Outer West of Newcastle so that our vital services can provide more children and young people with the best start in life.”
Image credit: iStock
