Richard Fuller MP has welcomed the news that Bedford Borough will receive one of 75 new Family Hubs under plans to Level Up access to childcare, mental health services, housing advice, and employment across England.
As part of the Government’s plans to support vulnerable children and families, 75 councils across the country will receive a share of £302 million to build a new network of family hubs. This new funding is delivering on the Conservative Party’s manifesto commitment to boost the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme.
300,000 vulnerable families will also receive targeted support from a dedicated keyworker to overcome challenges at the earliest stage – preventing them from being caught up in the social care system and helping parents and children to stay together safely.
The Government is backing the Supporting Families programme with £700 million in funding over the next three years. Young people who go through the programme are 38 per cent less likely to end up in prison and 32 per cent less likely to be taken into care.
To help vulnerable young people leaving care make the transition to living independently, the Government is also investing over £172 million over three years to support them to stay near their foster families or children’s home.
Extra services and advice will be provided to help young people leaving care to fulfil their potential. Councils will also be supported with an extra £3.2 million in 2022-23 to prevent care leavers from sleeping rough.
Commenting on the announcement, Richard said:
I welcome the new family hub for Bedford Borough as part of the government's £302 million Start for Life investment – delivering our manifesto commitment and improving local access to childcare, mental health services, housing advice and employment for families who need them most.
Family Hubs offer localised early help and intervention, from early years support to counselling or parenting classes, all of which can make a transformative difference in the lives of parents and carers who may not have a support network.
The government is also ensuring vulnerable families and young people leaving care can access key support services in one place, providing them with guidance as they embark on adult life and contribute fully to their own communities.
