The first Bolton Family Hubs will open their doors with five launch events taking place across the borough from September 30 to October 14.

The sessions will herald the first wave of what will eventually be a network of eight Bolton Family Hubs which will be open by March 2025.

The hubs will provide joined up services supporting families with children up to the age of 19 years old, and up to 25 years for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

The hubs will help ensure families have the knowledge, skills, and support to best care for their children, as well as looking after their own health and wellbeing.

The free drop-in sessions will feature fun activities, including face painting, freebies, refreshments.

Families will also be able to have their say on how the hubs should be developed and help design the Bolton Family Hub branding.

Events will take place at:

• Tonge Family Hub: 10am-3pm Sat, September 30 (Starkie Road, BL2 2ED)
• Great Lever Family Hub: 12pm-5pm Wed, October 4 (Leonard Street, BL3 3AP)
• Alexandra Family Hub 12pm-5pm Fri, October 6 (Blackledge Street, BL3 4BQ)
• Farnworth Family Hub 12pm-5pm Fri, October 13 (King Street, BL4 7AP)
• Oxford Grove Family Hub 10am-3pm Sat, October 14 (Oxford Grove, BL1 3BH)

The new hubs are a result of Bolton being one of 75 local authorities to receive a share of the Government’s £302m Family Hub and Start for Life fund.

The hubs are being delivered in partnership by the Council, Greater Manchester Mental Health and Bolton NHS Foundation Trusts, Bolton Together, Bolton Community and Voluntary Service and other community organisations.

They will bring a wide range of family services together in one place to provide a broad range of support that will include advice and guidance on issues such as debt, welfare and housing.

Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Martin Donaghy, said:

Bolton’s Family Hub network will reset and redefine how all organisations work with children and families in Bolton to ensure better outcomes throughout life.

The new offer will be family-centric, linked to existing community services and be accessible in person or online.

It will cover a wide range of needs and visitors will appreciate the friendly and approachable service that encourages trust and supportive relationships.

The focus is on quality continuity of care, better connected services, and outcomes for everyone as it will help people feel more empowered to take control of their own lives.