MP recognises transformative impact of expanded early years services and pledges continued support
13th August 2025
Luke Myer MP has welcomed the news that Redcar and Cleveland’s Family Hubs programme has been hailed a major success, with significant increases in services and numbers of parents and children using the centres, and with further funding expected from April 2026.
Redcar and Cleveland was one of 75 local authorities selected in 2022 to receive Government funding to enhance family services. The initiative’s success has led to plans for a nationwide rollout, aligned with the Secretary of State for Education’s commitment to “give every child the best start in life.”
Since 2023, nine Family Hub buildings across the borough have undergone refurbishment, with the expansion of existing services and the introduction of new support offerings. Areas of focus include supporting expectant parents, assisting mothers with postnatal low mood, enhancing children’s learning and development, and promoting breastfeeding.
Key achievements include:
- 76% of babies and toddlers aged 0 to 3 were registered with Family Hubs in April 2025, up from 62% in 2022
- 1,196 parents and children attended Baby Buddies playgroups for new parents last year, up from 294 in 2022
- Sensory Kidz groups for pre school children with potential neuro diversity needs supported 167 individuals last year, this service did not exist before 2023
- A new tongue tie clinic, launched in January 2024, has helped 291 babies who previously faced lengthy waits and travel to Newcastle
- A stay and play group for dads and their children has engaged 179 individuals.
Luke Myer MP said:
“As a former Cabinet Member for Children and Families on Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, I know how vital these services are for giving children the best possible start in life. Family Hubs bring together health professionals, early years experts and community partners in a way that makes support easier to access and more effective. I am proud to have supported the case for more investment, and I welcome the Government’s commitment to continue funding them here in Redcar and Cleveland.”
Cllr Bill Suthers, Cabinet Member for Children and Families at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, added:
“It has been a tremendous success, not just because of the increase in service usage, but also in the quality and coordination of support. We now offer a wide range of evidence based parenting programmes and activities delivered by multi agency teams working alongside health visitors, midwives, and charities like Family Action and Leos.
“It is not just about the funding, although that is vital. The dedication of our teams, who often go the extra mile, is delivering real results. I am excited to see what we can develop further with partners and parents next year, in line with the Government’s latest announcements.”
Further Family Hub funding has been announced to extend nationwide from 2026, with council level allocations still to be confirmed.
For more information about Redcar and Cleveland Family Hubs, visit: https://www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/family-hubs
Reference:
Family Hubs improvements hailed a major success after big increase in services and user numbers. New investments planned next year. https://www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/news/2025/family-hubs-improvements-hailed-a-major-success-after-big-increase-in-services-and-user