Last chance to have your say on plans to open six new family hubs across Oldham

Oldham's first Family Hub has provided a lifeline for local families following thousands of visits.

Beever Family Hub has been used thousands of times since it opened in July in the former Beever Children's Centre, and people now have less than two weeks to have their say on plans to open six more of these one-stop shops.

Families have been been sharing their opinions on opening seven Family Hubs in the area for parents and parents-to-be from conception through to 19-years-old - or 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

These Family Hubs will offer various services such as health clinics, breastfeeding support, care before and after childbirth, baby bonding classes, Stay and Play sessions and support for parenting.

As people move to these new Family Hubs and other buildings in the heart of communities, we will need fewer of the current children's centres in the area.

But there won't be any reduction in services because of these changes.

Beever Family Hub - Oldham’s first family hub at the former Beever Children’s Centre in St Mary’s - has provided a lifeline to parents including Angela, who started attending with her eight-month-old daughter Kianna who was born eight weeks premature.

Angela suffered with her mental health during pregnancy.

“We nearly lost her,” the mum-of-three said about her daughter.

“She was born by emergency caesarean, and she only weighed 3lbs 13ozs.

“I was on a mum and baby unit for five months,” she explained.

“I suffered with anxiety and it helped me by coming here and it gets her out to interact with other children.”

Another mum Courtney said: “It’s a one-stop place to go as a family.”

And Kaisha started attending the hub when she was pregnant with her son Kaison-Ray, who is now 16 months old.

“We come to sessions on Wednesdays, and it gets me out of the house to mix with other mums,” she praised.

“My midwife was based here, so I’ve been coming since I was pregnant.

“I have met friends here and he interacts with the other children.

"I can see a difference in him.

"He has seen other kids crawling and it has encouraged him.

“At 21 I’m a young mum but everyone has been so welcoming and supportive, and I’m getting out of the house for the day.

"Everyone talks to each other.”

Hollie said about her two-year-old son Haris: “He gets a lot out of coming to the family hub.

"He enjoys messy play and gets to interact with the other children.”

And Roma said about her son Isaac: “He loves it. He loves the interaction with other children.

“And it’s not just good for the children, it’s for the adults as well.”

In November, the Family Hub counted 698 attendees throughout the month.

The most popular sessions were Stay and Play sessions, midwifery clinics and baby clinics run by health visitors.

Council officers would like to hear about what you think so they can make sure you are getting the right support in the area you live.

Join the online consultation now and have your say before the closing date of Monday, January 29. 

Meanwhile, the council is hosting a webinar event where people can get more information about the plans and ask questions.

Register your interest vis this link

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