19 Best Start Family Hubs have opened across the capital, offering support services under one roof. They form part of a wider programme, with more than 200 hubs launching nationally across the UK.
The hubs offer parents and carers access to infant feeding advice, parenting support, and early help for children with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities).
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Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “Children growing up in our country deserve the best start in life, but for too long, too many families have been navigating the pressures of parenthood without the support they need. Best Start Family Hubs will revitalise family services – bringing together health, parenting support and practical advice in one place, free and close to home, so that parents can get the help they need, when they need it.
“I’ve seen the difference Sure Start made in my community, and why it’s so important that we bring that support back today, reimagined for a new generation of families. Whether it’s advice on child development, help with additional needs, or simply a friendly face in the community, this government is putting the support so many families used to rely on, back into each and every community.”
The services are free and designed to reduce reliance on paid classes or long journeys across the city for support. The scheme aims to reduce costs for families by up to £200 a year through free stay and play sessions.
Many hubs also offer debt advice and welfare guidance to help families claim financial support they may be missing.
The Government intends to open a Best Start Family Hub in every council area by 2028, with up to 1,000 hubs and 2,000 satellite sites in community spaces such as libraries and health centres.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: “I want babies born this year to grow up as the healthiest generation than any before it – and that means building good habits early. We know that the earliest years of a child’s life shape everything that follows. But for too long, families have had to navigate a maze of services at the very moment they need simple, straightforward help.
“We’re making it easier for families to get the right support in one place – from pregnancy onwards. That means spotting problems earlier, stepping in sooner, and moving care closer to the communities that need it most.”
Each hub will include outreach workers and specialist staff to identify additional needs early and provide targeted support.
The programme builds on the Sure Start legacy, but aims to modernise family services for today’s needs through a mix of digital and face-to-face support, improved use of community venues, and stronger links with early years providers.
London’s new hubs are located in boroughs including:
Bromley:
- Community Vision Children and Family Centre (SE20 8UX)
- Castlecombe Children and Family Centre (SE9 4AT)
Bexley:
- Learning and Enterprise College Bexley (DA7 4EZ)
- West Street Best Start Family Hub (DA8 1AW)
Kensington and Chelsea:
- Cheyne Family Hub (SW10 0ST)
- Holmfield House Family Hub (W10 5PE)
Westminster:
- Bessborough Family Hub (SW1V 2JD)
- Church Street Family Hub (NW8 8DE)
- Queen’s Park Family Hub (W9 3AL)
City of London:
- Artizan Street Library and Community Centre (E1 7AF)
Ealing:
- Dormers Wells Children Centre (UB1 3HX)
Barnet:
- Child and Family Early Help Hub – East Central Locality / Newstead Children’s Centre (N2 8LG)
- Child and Family Early Help Hub – South Locality / Parkfield Children’s Centre (NW4 3PS)
- Child and Family Early Help Hub – West Locality (NW9 4BR)
Hillingdon:
- Hayes Family Hub (UB3 3BB)
- West Drayton Family Hub (UB7 9JL)
- Uxbridge Family Hub (UB8 1UW)
Redbridge:
- Albert Road Children’s Centre (IG1 1HL)
Wandsworth:
- Roehampton Best Start Family Hub (SW15 4HR)
