Family Hubs

*This information is aimed at education professionals

Waltham Forest Family Hubs aim to improve outcomes for children, young people and their families, and reduce inequalities, particularly for those families in greatest need of support. They can help you to support the wide ranging needs of the children and families who use your setting. 

Family Hubs

There is a wealth of support available to children, young people and their parents / carers via our Family Hubs.

Every family needs some kind of support, no matter the age of their children. That’s why our new Family Hubs provide an upgraded programme of activities and support for parents and young people of all ages.

Family Hubs have expanded the range of work previously done at Children and Family Centres, through 

Waltham Forest's four Family Hubs are a one-stop shop to access the support families need, physically open 5 days a week with some weekend provisions including an accessible supportive phone line.

Based in the heart of neighbourhoods, Family Hubs will offer everything from health and housing services and employment support to creative play and parenting programmes, plus much more:

  1.    Activities for under 5’s 
  2.    Birth Registration
  3.    Debt & welfare advice
  4.    Domestic Abuse support
  5.    Supporting Early Language & Home Learning Environment
  6.    Information and support regarding Free Early Education Places for under 5’s and support with childcare costs
  7.    Health Visiting
  8.    Housing
  9.    Infant Feeding Support
  10. Intensive targeted family support
  11. Public Health services
  12. Mental Health Services
  13. Midwifery & maternity
  14. Nutrition & weight
  15. Oral Health
  16. Parent infant relationships
  17. Parenting Support
  18. Reducing parental conflict
  19. SEND support & services
  20. Stop smoking
  21. Substance misuse
  22. Support for separating and separated parents
  23. Youth justice services
  24. Youth Services

Find full details of the offer here.

Services available from our four neighbourhood hubs

The Lloyds Park Children's Charity run the local authority Family Hubs contract across Waltham Forest, with a team of specialist staff working with, and supporting local children and families. They offer a range of services and support for young children and their families.

NELFT (NHS) Their Health Visitors are trained nurses with an additional specialist qualification in Community Health and Health Promotion for families with young children aged 0 to 5 years. The NELFT offer a service to all children so any child who attends your childcare setting will have access to their teams.

HENRY can support parents to get their child off to a healthy start with infant feeding (breast or bottle), healthy eating and activity, dental health, and speech and language. Signpost parents to one of their free drop-in sessions or they can call on 020 8496 5223 to find out more about what help is available locally. 

Citizens Advice Waltham Forest provide free, confidential, impartial and independent information, advice and advocacy to residents of Waltham Forest. Families can access support and advice from Citizens Advice Waltham Forest on debt, welfare benefits and employment issues through their local Family Hubs. 

Workshops and Programmes

Best Start in Life

Best Start in Life activities take place in the four Family Hubs and in community spaces across the borough. Download the flyer for more information on activities and programmes available. 

Free Festive Family Learning workshops

These free workshops for December 2024, are educational and offer a lot of fun for parents and children. They are perfect for parents looking to support their children's learning, improve their own skills and enjoy exciting activities with the family. Please look at the upcoming courses / flyers and share with the families you work with. 

Contact Cherie if your school is interested in delivering a course or workshop at your venue. 

You can also view our full range of Family Learning Courses on our website.

Parent Support Programme

The parent support programme has a full guide from January to March 2025 and includes programmes available from pregnancy to adulthood in Waltham Forest. Please download and share with the families you work with. 

Last update: Thursday 5th of December 2024 03:26:02 PM