ALMOST £900,000 has been awarded to transform children’s centres into a ‘one stop shop’ for family advice and support services – but it is not currently known which facilities will receive the investment.

BCP Council has been given £883,000 from government to transform its offering for children from pre-birth up to 25 years old.

The council said the new hubs will expand on the previous success of children’s centres, which supported children from pre-birth up to the age of five.

The facilities will also support young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), their parents and carers.

Cllr Mike White, portfolio holder for children and young people, said: “The current cost of living crisis combined with the effects of the global pandemic have had a huge impact on local children, young people and families.

Bournemouth Echo:

“We are committed to do all that we can to help. The right support provided at the earliest opportunity can make all the difference.

"The family hub transformation project will enable BCP Council and our partners in health and the community to provide this support and help our next generation to reach their full potential.”

There are currently 11 children centres across the conurbation.

BCP Council currently cannot confirm how many will be transformed into family hubs.

A spokesperson for the local authority said the hub locations have not been determined, with officers preparing to “explore options with communities and our partners”.

Partners in health, education, early years, police and the voluntary sector will help deliver the family hub service, with each hub being unique, and co-produced with those living and working in the local community, the council said.

Views of children, young people, families and professionals will be used to develop the service.

Cathi Hadley, the council’s director of children’s services, said: “Family hubs are one-stop-shops for family services, and we’re committed to ensuring that families have local and improved access to these high-quality and non-stigmatising services.

“This will be one of our most exciting programmes that we’re going to deliver on in the next few years and I look forward to working with our communities and partners to achieve brighter futures for our children and young people.”