In today’s fast-paced world, raising a family can be both joyful and overwhelming.
Recognising the diverse challenges that families face, Telford & Wrekin Council has developed a support system through its Telford and Wrekin family hubs team.
The team offers welcoming, accessible spaces, both physical and virtual, where families can find the help they need, when they need it most.
To access the advice and support, the team hosts weekly drop-in events in community buildings. These sessions offer a friendly space for families to gain advice and support, to take part in themed discussions and to meet with local organisations.
Popular topics for discussion are often focused on parenting tips, behaviour support, online and community safety, SEND support, managing finances and much more.
The team can offer families practical advice to follow at home but can also signpost to local organisations in the Borough that can offer additional and specialised support.
To give parents and carers the space to talk to the team, there are usually activities available to keep children and young people occupied during the drop-in sessions.
All the details about the drop-ins, including dates, times and location can be found on the family hub website by following the drop-in tab from the homepage.
The team also hosts weekly playing together sessions, this is for parents and carers with children aged 0 to 5. The sessions are free and provide a welcoming environment for play, games and creative activities.
As well as the weekly drop-in sessions and playing together sessions, the family hubs team offers a variety of online courses for families to access from the comfort of their own home.
Parenting Together is a four-week online course, which looks at a number of topics, including parental wellbeing, fostering positive relationships, setting boundaries and keeping children safe, both online, offline and in the community.
The Parenting Together course is open to all families within the Borough. People can register their interest via the parenting tab on the family hubs website.
Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Education, Employment and Skills, said:
“When family hubs were first established across the country, there were designed to support families with children aged 0 to 2. In our Borough, we’ve expanded that offer and want to help families through every step of their child’s development, right up to the age of 19.
“The hubs are designed to be a continuous source of guidance and assistance throughout a child’s journey to adulthood.
“By investing and supporting in our families, we’re able to contribute to broader community wellbeing. Strong, supported families are more likely to thrive, leading to improved educational outcomes, better mental health, and reduced unemployment.”
Lots of useful information can also be found on the family hubs website – https://www.telfordfamilyhubs.co.uk/
