A warm welcome at Thorney Close Family Hub

The Thorney Close Family Hub has been officially opened by the Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Ehthesham Haque during a celebratory family fun day for parents, grandparents, carers, children and babies.

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

Visiting on one of his first official duties as the city's new mayor, Councillor Haque said: "Thorney Close Family Hub joins Sunderland's four other hubs offering a fantastic range of free sessions and activities and a welcome place for parents and carers to get advice and support.

"Family Hubs are where Sunderland's future - its children - come to play, explore, learn and have fun. It's a wonderful place for local families to help them give their children the best start in life."

Based at the Thorney Close Action and Enterprise Centre in Thorney Close, it is the fifth of the city's hubs. The hubs are positioned across the city at: Rainbow Family Hub, Elliott Terrace, Washington; Bunny Hill Family Hub, Hylton Lane, Hylton Castle, Sunderland; Coalfield Family Hub, Hetton and Winnibell Family Hub in Hendon.

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

Jamie Scott, Family Hubs and Family Support Service Manager (Interim), said: "We are thrilled to officially open the doors to the fully renovated Thorney Close Family Hub.

"While we've been proudly supporting families for some time at Thorney Close, the completion of our renovations funded by the Department of Education, means we can now offer even more in a warmer, more welcoming space. From outdoor play and free activities like crafts, messy play, and Move to Rhyme, to supportive classes such as Young Mams and Dads, breastfeeding support, and introducing solids — there's something here for every family.

"During the last 18 months hub leads have worked closely with partners to offer services families would previously have had to find elsewhere such, as midwifery services and health visitor guidance - by offering this in one place it makes life easier and it means families can get support all the way from pregnancy, right through to when their children become young adults. 

"Whether families are looking for practical advice, peer support, wellbeing guidance, or simply a friendly place to connect and play, our Family Hubs across Sunderland are here for them. We're proud to offer all of this completely free — something we know makes a real difference to families across our communities."

See more at: Family Hubs - Together for Children