Key Points
- · Bolton Family Hubs are transforming to provide a new 24/7 'dynamic offer' to support families anytime, enhancing existing daytime services.
- · The hubs offer integrated support and activities for families with children and young people from birth to 19 years old, and up to 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
- · The service expansion includes professional support on parenting, infant feeding, debt, welfare, housing, and wellbeing.
- · There are currently six family hubs across Bolton, with two more expected to open in 2025.
- · Family hubs were part of a government-funded programme (£302m Family Hub and Start for Life fund) to improve family services.
- · Services are accessible in person and online, aiming for better continuity of care and outcomes.
- · The digital offer provides 24/7 access to resources for families who cannot reach hubs physically.
- · The new branding and service changes are part of Bolton's "Best Start in Life" initiative.
- · The hubs are a collaboration between Bolton Council, Greater Manchester Mental Health, Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, Bolton Together, Bolton Community and Voluntary Service, and other community organisations.
- · Free family fun days and events have supported engagement and the launch of hubs.
- · Key community events and ongoing programs include play sessions, antenatal classes, baby feeding support, and advice on broader family issues.
What are Bolton Family Hubs and how do they support families?
As reported by Bolton Council, Bolton Family Hubs are community centres providing a wide range of activities and integrated support services to families with children aged 0-19 years, and up to 25 years for those with SEND. The hubs aim to help families navigate the joys and challenges of parenting by providing access to various professionals who support children's development, learning, and family wellbeing. These hubs act as one-stop shops where families can receive holistic help, advice, and guidance on parenting, infant feeding, welfare, housing, debt, and health issues.
The services aim to ensure children get the best possible start in life, reflecting the national "Start for Life" agenda, which focuses on early years and family support.
What new 24/7 'dynamic offer' is being introduced at Bolton Family Hubs?
Bolton's family hubs are enhancing their service offer with a new 'dynamic offer' that provides continuous, 24-hour, 7-day access to support for families. This expansion is particularly important for families who cannot physically access the hubs during regular opening hours. The digital offer includes online access to advice, resources, and support at any time, complementing the in-person services.
This initiative, part of the council's "Best Start in Life" programme (launched with new branding in September 2025), ensures families can receive timely support across a wide range of needs whenever they require it, contributing to better outcomes for parents and children.
How many family hubs are currently operating in Bolton, and where are they located?
As of late 2024, Bolton had six family hubs across the borough, with two additional locations scheduled to open in 2025. The Bright Meadows Family Hub, which opened in December 2024, is the latest addition to this network. Other hubs include the Oxford Grove Family Hub on Shepherds Cross Street and the Tonge Family Hub on Starkie Road.
These hubs operate weekday hours, with some offering extended evening and occasional Saturday openings to accommodate different family schedules. For example, Oxford Grove Family Hub is open from 9am to 5pm on Mondays and Fridays and until 6pm Tuesday through Thursday, with some Saturday openings. The Tonge Family Hub has similar hours and also opens on select Saturdays for family activities.
What types of activities and support services are offered at Bolton Family Hubs?
Bolton Family Hubs offer a variety of activities that promote early childhood development, family bonding, and parental confidence. Reported by Bolton Start Well Services, the hubs host free drop-in groups like "Chat, Play, Read," which supports communication and literacy in children aged 12 months and older through songs, stories, sensory play, and crafts. Other popular sessions include "Baby's First Foods," antenatal classes, and "Family Fun Time," a free group for families with children of all ages featuring play, crafts, and socialising opportunities.
From early 2025, antenatal clinics and clinics focused on infant feeding are provided at hubs such as Bright Meadows, together with access to advice on welfare, debt, housing, and health and wellbeing. The hubs also collaborate with local organisations, such as Bolton Toy Library and Little Bats, to help families engage through creative and play-based activities.
Who are the partners involved in delivering Bolton Family Hubs?
Bolton Family Hubs are a partnership effort involving Bolton Council, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, Bolton Together, Bolton Community and Voluntary Service, and other community organisations. This collaboration ensures a wide-ranging support network for family needs and promotes joined-up service delivery.
The partnership approach also follows government funding guidelines and targets continuous improvement in family support services through evidence-based and community-oriented practices.
What community engagement and events have supported the launch of Bolton Family Hubs?
The opening of new hubs has been marked by family fun events designed to engage local families, raise awareness of available services, and gather community input on future hub development. For example, families enjoyed launch celebrations with activities like facepainting, free refreshments, raffles, storytelling, play areas, and opportunities to meet staff and partner organisations.
A notable upcoming event is the Harvey Family Hub Fun Day scheduled on 18 October 2025, offering free family activities, a raffle prize, and opportunities for families to learn about the hub services available.
What are the long-term goals for Bolton Family Hubs?
According to Cllr Martin Donaghy, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, the network aims to reset how organisations work with children and families in Bolton to improve outcomes across the lifespan. The hubs are intended to be family-centric, accessible both online and in person, and linked closely with existing community services. The goal is to provide quality continuity of care, better-connected services, and empower families to take control of their lives through trusted, supportive relationships.