Oldham's second new Family Hub opens and aims to give children best possible start in life

A new Family Hub has been launched in Oldham and will deliver a wide range of support and activities for parents, carers and children, all under one roof.

The Stanley Road Family Hub in Chadderton is the borough's second such site, following the successful launch of Beever Family Hub in St Mary's last summer.

The hub, which has seen Stanley Road Children's Centre transformed to provide the new offer, brings together invaluable resources such as midwifery clinics, breastfeeding support, parenting support, speech and language support and stay and play sessions as a one-stop shop to enable families to thrive and overcome challenges.

Five more new Family Hubs will be opening 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).

Yesterday (Wednesday) there was an official ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Stanley Road Family Hub, as the doors opened on the refurbished building and the community were welcomed inside.

Oldham Council Leader, Arooj Shah, said: "The opening of Stanley Road Family Hub means we can now provide even more improved and exciting services for our children and families to help them to thrive.

"It is so important to provide quality services for families in the heart of our communities so they can access the expert help and advice that they need.

"This is a truly exciting project and I can't wait for the rest of the Hubs to open so we can provide even more help and support for children and families."

Children enjoyed fun activities into the afternoon as guests were shown around the new facility, and Cllr Shah was delighted to be introduced to the head boy and girl at the neighbouring Stanley Road Primary School.

Karen Bennett, Family Hubs District Leader, said the Family Hubs provide a 'lifeline' for people and are a 'comfortable home from home' with a range of services.

A former office has been transformed into increased space for families and partners to deliver services.

And Cllr Shaid Mushtaq, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "Following the successful launch of the Beever Family Hub last year, this again is a fantastic facility.

"You can see the joy on the faces of the kids.

"Everyone's having a great time. 

"We know how successful the Beever Family Hub has been to date and we're confident this is going to follow that success."

He added: "So please do come along and have a look and enjoy the facilities and make the most of it. It's for you."

To get advice whenever you need it, you can also visit the Family Hubs website.

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