PARENTS and carers are being asked to share how they could benefit from a series of Family and Youth Hubs opening across East Sussex later this year.

A consultation, which runs until Tuesday, April 11, will help East Sussex County Council identify what residents would want from the hubs, designed to provide local support, information and guidance to all families.

East Sussex was one of 75 across England and Wales to receive a share of £301.75 million from the Government’s Family Hubs and Start for Life Programme.

Cllr Bob Bowdler, the county council’s lead member for families and children, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to secure funding for family hubs which will allow all families to access support on a wide range of issues, get involved in activities and meet other families from the community.

“This project gives us a great opportunity to bring a range of support and services under one roof, make easier for families to access help and make a positive difference to parents, carers and their children.

“It is important that the new Family Hubs offer the right support for our residents, and I would encourage as many people as possible to take part in our consultation and help us shape the new service.”

The Hubs are designed to provide joined-up ‘place based’ and virtual support services , from pregnancy through to age 19 or up to 25 for young people with special educational needs.

Professionals and the community and voluntary sector will work together to offer a  ‘one-stop shop’ where families will be able to access support and information for their family on a wide range of issues including parenting, mental health, housing, benefits and finances and employability.   There will be particular emphasis on providing ‘Start for Life’ services such as peer support, antenatal and postnatal education courses, baby/toddler sessions and perinatal mental health support.

To take part in the consultation, which closes on Tuesday, April 11, visit https://consultation.eastsussex.gov.uk/childrens-services/familyhubsandyouthhubsineastsussex/

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