Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director of Children’s Services.

The report provides an update position in relation to Stockport’s Family Hub transformation programme and next steps in the ongoing development, implementation and long-term sustainability.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: LJ Woodward, lj.woodward@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update position in relation to Stockport’s Family Hub transformation programme and next steps in the ongoing development, implementation and long-term sustainability.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education (Councillor Wendy Meikle) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·       Members welcomed the initiative and enquired about access to the hubs. In response, it was reported that access can be gained through the hub website, walk-ins at sites and a referral was not needed as it was a ‘universal’ offer, with GPs signposting families.

·       Clarification was sought regarding how families would attend the centres or was it done by geography. In response, it was noted that families could access any site and it didn’t matter where families lived.

·       It was stated that the hubs would continue after the 9 months programme and would be sustainable including the family hub bridges, the alignment with the wider neighbourhood work and the all age strategy.

·       It was stated that the ‘counselling services groups’ across Stockport could also input into the scoping exercises across the borough.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That an update be submitted to the Committee in 12 months.