Four new hubs to provide family support

Families will be able to access a wide range of support under one roof when four new hubs open their doors.

The centres will bring services for children and young people in Reading together under one roof - including family safeguarding, early years support and help for neurodivergent families.

They will operate from four existing sites in Whitley, Ranikhet, Sun Street and Southcote, with services running from 08:00 GMT to 18:00 on weekdays.

The hubs are due to open on 19 March as part of the government's Best Start in Life strategy.

The facilities will provide support for families with children aged from birth to 18, or up to 25 for young adults with care experience or special educational needs and disabilities.

Reading Borough Council said the hubs would offer a range of services in partnership with organisations across health, employment, training, housing and the voluntary sector.

Alongside the four main sites, services will also be delivered from satellite locations across the town.

The council said both physical and digital support would be available through the hubs, with services previously offered at the locations continuing.

The hubs form part of the government's wider Families First reforms, which aim to improve access to early support for families.

Councillor Wendy Griffith, lead councillor for children, said the centres would provide "safe, welcoming spaces" for families.

"In Reading, we want every family to know there is somewhere they can turn to for support - from pregnancy, through the teenage years and into early adulthood," she said.

"The timetables will include a broad range of topics such as emotional support for new parents, young people's wellbeing, housing advice, help with speech and language, stay and play for children under five and more."

She said the council was "really looking forward to opening the doors" later this month.

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