Raising a child can feel easier when you know where to turn for support.
Across the UK, many local councils offer Family Hubs and Wellbeing Centres โ welcoming spaces designed to support families during pregnancy, early parenthood, and beyond.
At Basch Helps, we know that simply knowing these services exist โ and how to access them โ can make a real difference.
What Are Family Hubs & Wellbeing Centres?
Family Hubs and Wellbeing Centres are community-based spaces where families can access a wide range of support in one place.
They bring together different services so that parents donโt have to navigate everything alone or through multiple systems.
These hubs are designed to be:
- Easy to access
- Friendly and welcoming
- Focused on the whole family
๐ Think of them as a local place where you can get guidance, practical help, and connection.
What Support Is Available?
Services vary by area, but Family Hubs commonly offer:
Support During Pregnancy and Early Years
- Midwife and health visitor clinics
- Baby weighing and development checks
- Feeding advice and early years guidance
Parenting and Family Support
- Parenting groups and workshops
- Oneโtoโone support for families
- Help with routines, behaviour, and development
Health and Wellbeing Support
- Mental health and emotional wellbeing services
- Advice on managing stress and isolation
- Connections to local health professionals
Community and Social Support
- Stayโandโplay sessions
- Peer support groups
- Opportunities to meet other parents
Practical Support and Guidance
- Signposting to financial support (like Healthy Start)
- Housing or benefit advice (in some areas)
- Links to local charities like Basch Helps
Who Can Use These Services?
Family Hubs and Wellbeing Centres are open to:
- Expectant parents
- Parents and carers of babies and young children
- Families who may need extra support
- Anyone looking for guidance or reassurance
๐ You donโt need to be referred for many services โ they are there for all families.
How Basch Helps Works Alongside Family Hubs
At Basch Helps, we often work alongside Family Hubs and Wellbeing Centres to reach families who may need additional practical or emotional support.
We can:
- Support families through services like AngelBox
- Provide befriending and emotional support
- Help signpost families to the right local services
Together, this creates a joinedโup support system for families.
Help other families understand and access local support
Every familyโs experience of using Family Hubs and Wellbeing Centres is different.
You might have:
- Attended a group or session
- Spoken to a health visitor or family support worker
- Received help during pregnancy or early parenthood
- Found certain services particularly helpful
Your experience can help other parents feel more confident in reaching out.
Why Sharing Matters
When parents share their experiences, it can:
- Make services feel more approachable
- Help others understand what to expect
- Reduce anxiety about attending
- Highlight what support is available locally
Sometimes, hearing from another parent can make all the difference.
What You Might Want to Share
You are welcome to share:
- Your experience attending a Family Hub or centre
- What support you received
- What helped you feel comfortable
- Any challenges you faced
- Advice you would give to other families
There is no right or wrong experience โ all stories are valuable.
A Safe and Respectful Space
We understand that sharing can feel personal.
- You can share anonymously if you prefer
- Your experience will be treated with care and respect
- There is no pressure to share
Our aim is to create a space that feels:
- Safe
- Supportive
- Free from judgement
Help Build a Supportive Community
By sharing your experience, you are helping:
- Other families feel less alone
- Improve understanding of local services
- Strengthen community support
๐ Share your experience of Family Hubs and local wellbeing support
A Simple Reminder
You donโt need to navigate early parenthood alone.
Family Hubs are there to support you โ and itโs okay to take that first step.
You can usually access support in different ways:
DropโIn Services
Some hubs offer open sessions where you can attend without booking.
Booked Appointments
For specific support (such as parenting advice or wellbeing support), you may be offered an appointment.
Referral Support
If you are working with a professional, they may refer you directly to a service within the hub.
What to Expect
Family Hubs are designed to feel:
- Welcoming and inclusive
- Respectful of your situation
- Supportive without judgement
You can:
- Ask questions
- Attend sessions at your own pace
- Access support when you need it
There is no requirement to use every service โ you can engage in a way that feels right for you.
Family Hubs are run by your local council, so services will vary depending on where you live.
To find your nearest hub:
-
Visit your local council website
-
Search: โFamily Hub near meโ or โChildrenโs centre [your area]โ
-
Ask your:
- Midwife
- Health visitor
- GP
- Family support worker
๐ They can direct you to services available in your area.
You can also visit the dedicated gov.uk website which has a current database of all family hubs in your borough including links and information:
