Families in and around Whitehaven helped to celebrate the official opening of Cumberland’s first Family Hub.
The Family Hub on the Harbour, in the former Barclays bank. was officially opened today, Thursday, April 11, with an event attended by more than 200 families.
From face painting by Cumbrian artist Bethany Gray; trampolines and glitter tattoos from local autism charity Bee Unique; live entertainment and dancing, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Local families, including Kay Pitchford, who is one of the Family Hub’s Parent and Carer Champions, had the honour of officially opening the Hub and cutting the ribbon.
The opening was an opportunity for Whitehaven’s families to see inside the new Family Hub and find out about the services on offer.
The first of its kind in the community, the Family Hub on the Harbour is designed to cater to the diverse needs of families, children and young people of all ages – providing comprehensive advice, support, activities and groups all under one roof.
Led by Cumberland Council, the Family Hub has been created around a model of partnership – offering services and activities by local charities, the NHS and more. Local families are also involved, with Parent and Carer Champions providing regular feedback and input into the Family Hub offer.
The new services available at the Hub will be shared by a timetable available on social media and on the Cumberland Family Hubs website.
Cllr Emma Williamson, executive member for children’s and family wellbeing and housing at Cumberland Council, said: “I am thrilled that Whitehaven’s Family Hub is now open and am excited by the positive difference it will make to families in the area. It’s a fantastic space – welcoming, inclusive and I’m pleased so many people had the opportunity to share in the official opening.
“The Hub on the Harbour will be a fantastic asset for Whitehaven. We are ambitious for our communities and are determined that our first Family Hub will make a lasting positive impact on the lives of families in Whitehaven.”
Martin Birch, director of children and family wellbeing at Cumberland Council, added: “I’m absolutely delighted to welcome so many families into the Hub for our official opening.
“This is just the start – today has also been about sharing what the Family Hub will offer the local community in the coming weeks and months.
“The range of activities and support services on offer ensures there is something for everyone, and all ages. I’d strongly encourage all local families to pop down to the hub, or visit the Cumberland Family Hubs website to look at the timetable and see what’s on offer.”
Denise Lightfoot, public health midwife manager at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are very pleased and excited to be able to provide our services from the Family Hub.
“Using this space for the families of West Cumbria will provide a non-clinical environment for women, offering a safe, confidential and conversational space.
“We are looking forward to being able to collaborate with other services within the Family Hub. Our aim is to provide a holistic approach to support emotional health, mental health, smoking cessation, infant feeding and social needs of all women in West Cumbria, including the most vulnerable women in our community.”
The co-founders of BEE UNIQUE said: “BEE UNIQUE Charity is delighted to be in association with Cumberland’s Family Hub. We feel that the hub will be a welcoming positive change to the local community with various services on offer to help and support all families.
“BEE UNIQUE is looking forward to growing the SEN community with the support of Cumberland’s Family Hub. The local community will definitely benefit from all of the services on offer and we are excited to be part of their journey.”
