A brand-new family hub is offering support and advice to families in Wythenshawe.
The Crossacres Family Hub is the latest one-stop-shop to open in the city, following the unveiling of Longsight and Cheetham hubs in the summer.
The hubs provide a range of advice, support, and services, all targeted at parents, children, and young adults.
In Manchester, where more than 136,000 young individuals aged 0-19 thrive, the establishment of family hubs marks a pivotal step in ensuring comprehensive support for the city.
Catering for all
Distinguishing itself from the traditional Sure Start Centres, which predominantly cater to the needs of younger children, these family hubs extend their support from pre-birth through the infant and toddler stages, all the way up to the age of 19, and even up to 25 for young adults requiring special assistance.
The primary objective of these hubs is to offer a holistic spectrum of services, catering to various aspects of family life.
From addressing critical health concerns such as infant feeding, mental health support, and smoking cessation, to fostering healthier relationships, facilitating school and educational support, and providing guidance on job prospects, skill development, and post-18 pathways, the family hubs strive to become a comprehensive support system for Manchester’s families.
Trailblazer region
Manchester stands proud as one of the 14 trailblazer regions across the nation chosen earlier this year to receive additional government funding through the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme.
This strategic move aims to expedite the delivery of these much-needed services, underscoring the city’s commitment to the well-being and development of its youth.
The family hubs represent an integral component of the ambitious five-year action plan, “Making Manchester Fairer.” Designed to confront the pervasive disparities in the city that can often originate early in life, these initiatives aim to address far-reaching issues, including life expectancy discrepancies, employment opportunities, and housing disparities.
Alleviating pressure
Furthermore, the plan acknowledges the imperative of alleviating the pressures of the cost of living and combating poverty, recognising their profound impact on the overall health and well-being of Manchester’s residents.
Councillor Garry Bridges said: “We’re determined to do everything we can to help our families and make sure they can access support easily from birth through to adulthood.
“Having all this support in one place through a family hub located in the heart of the local community, that families can go to for in-person advice and additional support when they need it, makes perfect sense and is a win-win for Wythenshawe.
“All the evidence shows that strong, supportive families make for more stable communities and happier individuals, which is exactly what we want for this part of the city and for the whole of Manchester.”
