Barnsley families set to benefit from Best Start in Life investment

On Wednesday 9 September, Cabinet Members will discuss plans to strengthen local Family Hub services using funding from the Department for Education and the Department of Health and Social Care.

Barnsley’s Best Start in Life Family Hubs bring different services together so children, young people and families can get the right help easily.

They offer joined-up support from pregnancy through to age 19, or up to 25 for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This can include help with parenting, childcare, preparing for school, keeping children safe, supporting healthy lifestyles, building family resilience, and helping parents and carers access training, education and employment.

If approved, the £6.1 million Government funding for Family Hubs and Healthy Babies services would, over the next three years, help Barnsley families get more joined-up support.

It would strengthen services across local communities, making sure more families can get the right help at the right time. The Hubs will continue to support babies and young children to have the best start in life and be ready to learn by the time they start school.

Councillor Gary Hall, Cabinet Spokesperson for Children’s Services, said: “Every child deserves the best possible start in life, and we know that the right support in the earliest years can make a lasting difference.”

“We want families to feel confident about where to go for support, information and advice, so children get the best chance to grow, learn and thrive.”

You can find more information about the report in the  cabinet papers on our website.