Families in Andover are set to benefit from a new Best Start Family Hub later this year, as Hampshire County Council continues to roll out its network of one-stop support centres for parents, carers and young children.
The new hub will be based at Spring Meadow Children’s Centre in Andover and will serve as a central location where families can access a wide range of support services from pregnancy through to starting school and beyond. A linked network site will also be established at Andover Library, helping to extend support across the town.
The announcement forms part of Hampshire County Council’s wider Best Start in Life programme, which aims to provide easier access to services that support children’s development and family wellbeing. The initiative follows the successful launch of Hampshire’s first Best Start Family Hub at Leigh Park Library earlier this year.
Councillor Roz Chadd, Hampshire County Council’s Cabinet Lead Member for Children’s Services, welcomed the news.
She said: “While parenting certainly doesn’t come with a manual, having the right support around you – when and where you need it – can make a significant difference. This is an exciting step and will bring valuable services much closer together, helping families to access joined-up support from day one and in the heart of their local communities.”
The hubs are being introduced as part of a Government-backed strategy designed to give every child the best possible start in life and ensure they are ready for school. Hampshire County Council plans to establish around 30 hubs and network sites across the county.
Located in areas where support is most needed, the hubs will bring together services from health, education, social care and the voluntary sector under one roof. Families will be able to access practical advice and support including parenting programmes, early learning guidance, health visiting services, infant feeding support and signposting to other local organisations.
By identifying and responding to the needs of children and families earlier, the hubs aim to improve long-term outcomes while reducing the need for more intensive support later in life.
The location of the Andover hub follows extensive consultation with local residents, schools, childcare providers and community organisations to ensure services are shaped around the needs of local families.
Councillor Chadd added: “We know that every community is different and that it is essential to shape the offer in each hub by listening carefully to local parents, carers and key stakeholders who undoubtedly know their communities best.
“That’s why we have been working closely with residents and partners including schools, early years providers, and community, faith and voluntary organisations. As we move towards opening the hubs later this year, we will continue to work side by side with local communities to understand their individual needs and ensure that each hub is developed with these fully in mind.”
Opening dates for the Andover Best Start Family Hub and its network site at Andover Library are expected to be confirmed in the coming months, along with details of the services that will be available.
For families across Andover, the new hub promises to provide a more joined-up approach to support, helping children get the best possible start while ensuring parents and carers know where to turn for advice and assistance when they need it most.