HELP for families with young children in Coventry has been boosted by a funding windfall.
Coventry City Council has secured £6.1million in government funding over the next three years to continue and expand its award-winning Family Hubs programme and its Start for Life healthy babies programme.
The investment recognises Coventry’s status as one of 13 national ‘trailblazer’ sites for family support.
Family Hubs provide free services for children, young people and families from pregnancy through to age 18, including parenting courses, infant feeding advice, perinatal mental health services, help with child development, access to computers and data, warm spaces, travel schemes, free clothing, energy and income advice, and free children’s haircuts during school holidays.
Coun Patricia Seaman, the council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “This significant investment is fantastic news for Coventry’s families and shows the government’s confidence in our approach to supporting children and parents.
“Our Family Hubs have become vital community resources, offering everything from expert health advice to practical help with the cost of living.
“We know that the early years are absolutely critical for children’s development, and this funding will help us reach even more families who need support.
“Whether you’re a first-time parent looking for advice, a family facing challenges, or just want to connect with other parents in your area, our Family Hubs are here for you.
“I’m particularly proud that Coventry has been recognised as a national trailblazer. This funding allows us to continue leading the way in giving every child the best possible start in life.”
She said the service had already made a positive impact over the past four years.
She added: “Families tell us how valuable the support has been, and we’ve built a strong parent voice network of over 400 parents who help shape what we offer.
“This continued funding means we can develop our services further and reach even more families who could benefit.”
Coventry North West MP Taiwo Owatemi said the funding was a boost for families across the city.
She visited the Mosaic Family Hub and met with Michelle Wallace, Parenting Lead in Children’s Services, to see how the initiative supports families.
Ms Owatemi said: “This funding recognises how important Family Hubs are as a source of trusted support from pregnancy right through to young adulthood.
“As the mother of a young child, I understand the pressures that parents face and just how much this kind of support can mean to families.
“Visiting Mosaic Family Hub was a powerful reminder of the difference these services make.
“Alongside wider action to help parents keep their children safe online, this shows a joined-up approach to backing families and giving children the best possible start in life.”
By 2028, the programme aims to help over 70 per cent of Coventry children achieve a ‘good level of development’ by the time they are five, with a particular focus on reducing inequalities for disadvantaged children.
Over the next three years, the council plans to expand the network of Family Hubs in partnership with health services, schools, and community organisations.
The new funding follows Coventry’s successful delivery of the previous Family Hub and Start for Life Programme, which brought £6million to the city between 2022 and 2026.
All services delivered through Family Hubs are free. Visit www.coventryfamilies.co.uk for more information.
