Hillingdon Council has celebrated the opening of its new family hub in West Drayton, bringing together a range of support services for children, young people and families in one accessible location.
The hub, which is located at the council’s Platinum Jubilee Leisure Centre in Rowlheys Place, was officially opened today (Friday 26 June) by the Mayor of Hillingdon, Cllr Reeta Chamdal, and Cllr Susan O’Brien, Cabinet Member for Adults, Children, Health and Care.
The early years offer includes stay and play sessions, music and movement, story time, speech and language activities, school-readiness support, and access to specialist clinics such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
Families with small children can benefit from health visiting and midwifery clinics, infant feeding and breastfeeding support, healthy lifestyles advice and mental health support.
The hub also offers parenting programmes, one-to-one family support and peer groups to help parents and carers access advice, build confidence and connect with others.
Children and young people aged eight to 19 can access the council’s Youth Offer, including term-time sessions for school years 4 to 6 on Wednesdays and school years 7 to 9 on Fridays, as well as a selection of holiday programmes and targeted support.
Families can also access financial advice, practical skills support and guidance on returning to work.
Adelina El Bachir, from West Drayton, attended a baby group with her six-month-old son, Noah. She said: “It’s a great addition to the area – something that was really missing. It means kids have a place to come locally, rather than travelling elsewhere.
“Children are exposed to a positive environment where they can interact with others before nursery. For mums, it’s also about building friendships and having the chance to chat.”
Jenny Cook, also from West Drayton, visited with her son Micah. She said: “We used to go to Yiewsley, so it’s great to have something closer as we don’t live in the town centre. We’ve also signed up for the gym and swimming lessons for Micah.
“It’s lovely to meet other mums, and the staff work across other children’s centres too, so you build relationships. They know you, and you feel really welcome.”
Cllr O’Brien said: “We want every child in Hillingdon to have the best possible start in life, and our family hubs play an important role in making that happen.
“By bringing services together in one welcoming and accessible location, we can provide earlier support for our families, help children thrive and ensure parents can access advice and guidance when they need it most.”
To find out more about activities and support available at Hillingdon’s family hubs, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/family-hubs
