Support offered as Best Start Family Hub opens its doors in Twerton

A new family support hub bringing a range of services together in one place has opened on Dominion Road in Twerton.

Children from Twerton Infant School wearing Best Start in Life T-shirts | Photo © B&NES Council

The Best Start Family Hub will provide families with access to health services, education providers, community organisations and other support in a single welcoming space.

It has been developed with input from families, schools, voluntary groups and other local partners and is designed to support people from pregnancy through to adulthood.

The Twerton site, which opened on Thursday 10th September, is the first Best Start Family Hub to open in Bath and North East Somerset, with further hubs planned across the area.

The initiative forms part of the national Best Start in Life programme, which aims to make it easier for children and families to receive help as early as possible.

Councillor Paul May, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Experiences during pregnancy and the early years play an important role in shaping a child’s future.

“However, families can sometimes face challenges such as financial pressures, relationship difficulties, mental health concerns or housing issues, which can make it harder to access support when it is needed.

“Our first Best Start Family Hub in Twerton is a friendly and welcoming place where any family can get information, advice and support.

“Plans are under way to expand our current children’s centres in Bath and North East Somerset to become Best Start Family hubs over the coming months, helping families access local services in their communities.”

Kate Morton, chief executive of Citizens Advice B&NES, said: “As a local charity and partner organisation working across Bath and North East Somerset, we are delighted to be involved in this important service. Having advice and support available within local communities will make a real difference to families, and we look forward to welcoming people to the hub.”

Across Bath and North East Somerset, the Best Start in Life programme will also focus on improving access to high-quality early education and childcare, particularly for children facing disadvantage or with additional needs.

It will also seek to strengthen early years services, with additional support available as early as possible for families who need it.