The award highlights the dedication of staff, partners, volunteers, and families who have helped create a more connected, family-led support system, ensuring help is available at the right time and in the right place.
Over the past two years, Family Hubs have delivered significant results, including:
- More than 800 engagement activities delivered.
- Over 600 young people helping to shape services.
- Outreach and pop-up provision in 66 rural locations.
- A 25% increase in family engagement.
- 75% of families reporting greater parenting confidence after receiving support.
- More than 90% uptake of key health checks for children.
Most importantly, families say the support is having a real impact:
“For the first time, it feels like services are working together around us, not expecting us to know where to go to get support alone.”
“They actually listened, and what we said changed things.”
Councillor Janet Battye, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education and Skills, said:
“This award is a wonderful recognition of the dedication, passion and commitment shown by everyone involved in our Family Hubs programme. We are incredibly proud of the difference these services are making to children, young people and families across Westmorland and Furness.
“What makes this achievement particularly special is that it has been shaped by the voices of families themselves. By working together with our partners and communities, we are creating support that is accessible, responsive, and centred on the needs of local people. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this success and look forward to building on these achievements in the years ahead.”
This achievement reflects a shared commitment to improving outcomes for children and families through early intervention, strong partnerships and services shaped by local people.
The award is a celebration of everything that has been achieved so far and a reminder of what can be accomplished when communities, families and organisations work together. Westmorland and Furness Best Start Family Hubs remain committed to building on this success and ensuring every child has the best possible start in life.