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Easter egg-stravaganza for Retford family hub network

Hundreds of families attended the Easter extravaganza in Retford today (Thursday, 6 April) to find out more about the family hub network.

Families were treated to a visit from the Easter Bunny and Peppa Pig, as well as a whole range of fun activities as part of a community event to learn more about the services and facilities available locally. A wide array of stalls provided information and support alongside a range of free family activities- meant a fun-filled day for all the family.

A range of partners from the council’s early years’ service attended the day to share information about the wide support available to families and young people in the area, including youth service, the health and wellbeing programme, Family Information Service, Children’s Centre Service, Reducing Parental Conflict, NCC Welfare Rights, Parent and Family Services, Kinship Support Service, NSPCC, Women’s Aid, and the Maternity Voices Partnership.

Retford is the first family hub network for Nottinghamshire. They will provide a ‘one stop shop’ for a broad range of support for families, children and young people aged up to 19. They will also cater for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) aged up to 25.

The aim is to bring existing family-help services together to improve access and making it easier to access parenting support such as help with infant feeding and perinatal mental health, as well as wider services such as stopping smoking and job advice.

Laurence Jones, Service Director for Children and Family Services said, “This event was a fun way to bring families together with the partners offering support in their local community.

“It is important that people know about what’s on offer. Family hub networks will bring together more services in the community, based on local needs, whether they be available in a physical building, online, are an at home service or community-based, meaning families will find accessing support much simpler.

“We have developed the Retford service with the local community and aim to continue engaging with young people and families to raise awareness and help people to find the support and services they need.”

Family hub networks’ key partners include Nottinghamshire Integrated Care, NHS Foundation Trust, schools, Early Years Settings, Inspire libraries, Nottinghamshire Police, Community and Voluntary services, and DWP.

Andy Tomkins, School Liaison (Bassetlaw), a Notts carer association partner, said “I’m proud to be part of this event and the family hub network in Retford. This is exactly what the community needs to overcome the challenges of finding the help they need locally.”

Matt Pearson, CEO and Co-Founder of JOEL – The Complete Package, said: “This event provided us with an opportunity to share our support offer with other partners, learn about the other support available in the area, and meet members of the local community so we can let them know where to get support if they or someone they know need it”

Sarah from Retford, who came along with children Freya aged 9 and Erin aged 6 said “This was such a fun event and useful too. The children enjoyed the fun activities and the Easter Bunny, and I was able to find out more about all of the different services available for families, so we know just where to go to find the help and information we need, when we need it.”

ENDS