New mobile Family Hub introduced in Sandwell
Sandwell Family Hubs have collaborated with Sandwell’s Mobile Library Service to launch the Family Hub Mobile Spoke, offering
support to families in the heart of communities.
Left to right - Councillor Simon Hackett, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, Councillor Syeda Khatun, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, Libraries staff members Krishen Bansal and Michelle White, Samina Saudagar, Children’s Services Manager, Barnardo’s
The mobile Family Hub, in addition to library facilities, will offer services such as health and wellbeing advice, parenting support and ‘Stay and Plays’. There are currently seven static hubs across Sandwell – one each for Oldbury, Rowley Regis, Smethwick, Tipton and Wednesbury, with two in West Bromwich. The mobile hub initiative will extend this offer, reaching as many families as possible. Since officially launching in January 2024, the mobile hub has already provided extra support to 136 families across Sandwell. Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, Councillor Simon Hackett, said: “The council is committed to working towards equality, ensuring that all our children have the best start in life. The mobile hub will extend the fantastic offer of support already available to families in any of our seven existing Family Hubs.”
Councillor Syeda Khatun, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, added: “Our libraries already have an important role in supporting our local families. This initiative will bring extra support to families who use our libraries, providing help wherever it is needed.” Everyone is welcome to visit the mobile hub. To learn more about Family Hubs, including their schedule and volunteering opportunities, please visit www.sandwellfamilyhubs.com The initiative is funded by the Government’s Family Hubs and Start for Life programme, which aims to enhance and transform family hubs in local authority areas. Sandwell Council has been granted up to £4.3million over a three-year period.