Cheshire East opens third family hub and centre of excellence for children with disabilities
17 October 2023
Professionals from Cheshire East Council, NHS, community organisations and schools came together last week (11 October) to celebrate the opening of the borough’s third family hub which will specialise in services for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Students from Springfield School opened the event at Monks Coppenhall family hub in Crewe with an emotional sing and sign musical performance, before receiving a special thank you gift for their contribution.
All family hubs support children and young people from birth until they reach the age of 19 (or up to 25 for young people with SEND) and bring council, health, and community services together, so that families with children and young people can access the right help and support, at the right time. Family hubs aren’t just about physical buildings – their services will be available in a variety of ways including using community spaces and online, so services can be accessed in the best way to suit families.
The event at Monks Coppenhall closely follows the change from children’s centres into family hubs at Oak Tree in Crewe, and Oakenclough in Wilmslow, both launched in July. More hubs are set to follow in the next 12 months.
£1 million was awarded to the council last year, from the Department for Education, to develop family hubs across Cheshire East. They were one of the first 12 local authorities to receive the funding, having until 2024 to implement this new way of working.
Monks Coppenhall family hub offers a wide range of services welcoming the whole community. As a SEND centre of excellence, the hub will be a one stop shop of advice and support and will bring together local expertise to trial and innovate new approaches which can be rolled out across the borough. The hub will help to ensure inclusion is the golden thread that runs through services from the Cheshire East family hub network.
The centre also has a sensory room, a Changes Places toilet facility and will offer guidance and emotional support to children, young people and their families as well as being a place to come visit, to connect and have fun.
A week of activities over the October half term break are planned to celebrate the opening with children and families. Everyone is encouraged to visit the hub to find out more about the wide range of services and activities available for all. Throughout the half term experts in the field of SEND will be on hand to answer any questions, signpost to further help and information, and ensure children and families in the area are fully aware of the support available to them.
Other services at the hub will include:
- Midwifery appointments, health checks, breastfeeding, weaning and nutrition advice;
- Start for life activities including early years, play, education and sensory development;
- Support from health visiting and school nurse teams;
- Tailored and intensive support for families who may need a little extra help;
- Family help and support for children with disabilities or additional needs;
- Practical support around finance, housing and supported learning;
- Youth support services; and
- Mental health support for children, young people, families and new parents
Co
uncillor Carol Bulman, Lead member for children and families at Cheshire East Council, said: “The opening of our third family hub this year demonstrates our continuing commitment to children and young people the borough, and our passion to help families navigate what can be an overwhelming time in their lives.
“I’m thrilled that we are now able to offer further support for those with SEND, and it’s crucial that we get it right. This is why we’re hosting both a professional, and public launch to encourage as many people as possible to see the broad range of support on offer from a range of experts in the field.
“It takes a village to raise a child, and we want residents to know we’re on hand to help guide young people through every stage of childhood, adolescence, and into early adulthood.
“I’d encourage local residents to come along during the public launch to see what services are on offer, take some time to meet the team and most of all have fun with their peers!”
Lisa Hodgkison, executive headteacher at Springfield School, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have the SEND family hub at the heart of Crewe and in such close proximity to Springfield.
“The hub is going to offer much needed support for young people and families within the locality. It was a pleasure for the Springfield choir to spread their joy at the opening event.
“We are really looking forward to working together with the hub in the future.”
More information about family hubs can be found on the Cheshire East website, or you can also receive updates direct to your inbox by signing up to the family hubs newsletter.