New family hubs launched as part of £2.8m investment in children's lives

Parents will be able to visit the centres for anything from play sessions for their youngsters to getting support in managing behaviour, or even advice on handling debt.

It is hoped the centres – which are free and open to everyone – will ensure more children are better prepared for starting school, keep families together when they face challenging times and improve life prospects for youngsters.

Joanne Stewart, head of service for early years help and support at Blackpool Council, said: “Family hubs will be a focal point in communities for a whole range of services, for children from conception right up to 19 and up to 25 (for children with special educational needs and disabilities.)

“Services like support for feeding choices, parenting, developing skills around supporting child development as well as things like debt and welfare advice, access to health visitors and midwives.”

“The idea is our family hubs, based in the heart of our communities, will be a place where families can come and access a whole range of services early in the life of a problem before things get trickier.”

She said the focus was to ensure families stayed together as they embark on a lifelong journey.

Ms Stewart said: “We really want our children to access their education so they are ready for school, they are ready for the transition to high school and hopefully further education and then into the world of employment.

The hubs, which have replaced the former council run children’s centres are located in the north, central and south areas of the town.Blackpool has received £2.8m over three years after being chosen as one of 14 initial areas to receive funding.Mum Aimee Bainbridge, 31, was among those at the launch of the South Family Hub. She said: “It’s nice to talk to the other mums and it’s good for the children to socialise with each other and get involved in activities they can’t do at home.”