There is a new platform on the internet to help Macclesfield families.

Cheshire East Council is transforming its support services for children and young people from birth up until the age of 19 (or 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities) by launching a new family hubs digital offer.

Family hubs bring council, health and community services together, so that families with children and young people can access the right help and support, at the right time. 

Over the past 12 months the council has already opened five physical family hubs across the borough - including one at Ash Grove in Macclesfield - and are looking to develop further outreach provision through family hub 'connect' sites – giving the opportunity for more in-person support and advice at the right time in the right place. 

These centres offer the expertise and guidance of various community groups and organisations, health colleagues from the NHS and partners of the council, to provide an vital service for when families need it most.

With the launch of a new digital offer, families can expect online access to advice and information at the touch of a button, making it much more convenient for those who are unable to access a family hub near them.

(Image - Cheshire East Council)

This project was made possible due to £1 million funding awarded to the council last year from the Department for Education, to help transform our existing services into family hubs. 

Family hubs offer a broad range of services both in physical buildings, and through its online resource, including:

• Start for Life services: Midwifery appointments, health checks, breastfeeding, weaning and nutrition advice, early years play education and sensory development;
• Support from health visiting and school nurse teams;
• Support for families who have a child or young person with special educational needs and disabilities .
• Tailored and intensive support for families who may need a little extra help; 
• Family help and support for children with disabilities or additional needs;
• Practical support around finance, housing and supported learning;
• Youth support services; and
• Mental health support for children, young people, families and new parents

The family hubs online resource will also make it easier to navigate to the relevant information, whether a parent or carer is looking for support around a child's early years, those of primary age, or for advice around a young person's journey into adulthood. 

Councillor Carol Bulman, lead member for children and families at Cheshire East Council, said: "We are delighted to not only have introduced a support system for children and families across Cheshire East in the form of our physical family hubs, but to now provide a comprehensive online resource which will broaden our expertise and guidance for those who may not be able to access a centre near where they live.

"This digital offer has a fantastic wealth of advice that will leave our families informed, assured, and guided by providing information on the development of children and young people, and we're so pleased to be able to share it with our residents.

"Vitally, I'm pleased to see a dedicated focus on support for those with special educational needs now online, as well as through our family hubs across the borough, including at Monks Coppenhall family hub, in Crewe, our SEND centre of excellence."

Macclesfield: You can view the new family hubs online resource on the Cheshire East website