Bunnyhill Family Hub is open!

The Bunnyhill Family Hub was officially opened by the Mayor of Sunderland (Thursday 15 June), Councillor Dorothy Trueman during a celebratory family fun day for parents, grandparents, carers, children and babies.

The Hub provides services across the north of Sunderland from conception up until the age of 19, or 25 for young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

Based in the Primary Care Centre at Hylton Lane, it is the third of Sunderland's new Hubs to open following the Coalfield Family Hub (opened 9 May) at the Hetton Centre and the Washington Hub (opened 23 May) at the Rainbow Centre in Elliott Terrace, Concord. The next Hub to open is in Thorney Close and a fifth Hub location is being finalised for Hendon.

Hubs are a major expansion and update of existing family centres and the five are aligned with the Coalfield, East (and south), North, Washington and West areas of the city.

Councillor Trueman said: "Each Family Hub is a one-stop-shop for families in Sunderland offering practical help and support with everything from infant feeding to mental health, relationship building, parenting classes, support groups and learning through play.

"Additional wraparound services are also offered which make an enormous difference to people's lives - this includes advice on getting into work, relationship building and stop smoking services."

Antenatal classes are also among the extra services on offer at Bunnyhill and families are encouraged to follow their local hubs and children's services provider Together for Children on social media: Together for Children | Sunderland | Facebook

Hubs fit with the national vision and aims of ensuring all families can access the support they need, the NHS supported Start for Life programme, and locally the on-going City Plan for a more dynamic, healthy and vibrant Sunderland.

Cllr Trueman added: "Collectively we want every single child to realise their potential, and the support and advice provided through the Family Hubs at all stages and for all family members is warmly welcomed by all."