Free family fun day to launch Whitehaven’s ‘Family Hub on the Harbour’

Families in and around Whitehaven are invited to join in the fun, with free activities to mark the official opening of Cumberland’s first Family Hub.

Preparations are underway to welcome families to the grand opening of the ‘Family Hub on the Harbour’ on Thursday 11 April 11am – 3pm and the message is: ‘everyone is welcome’.

The Hub can be found at 1 Strand Street, Whitehaven, CA28 7DL – in what was the Old Bank building close to the Harbour and the centre of town.  The building has been undergoing complete refurbishment by Cumberland Council, bringing a vacant building back into use and creating a welcoming space for families.

The name the ‘Family Hub on the Harbour’ was chosen by members of the local community and local families will have the honour of officially opening the Hub and cutting the ribbon at 12pm.

Free fun for all the family

The launch day is set to attract families from the local area.  Free activities include face painting from Bethany Gray; trampolines and glitter tattoos from Bee Unique; magic & puppet shows and balloon modelling from Dave and Dan from BJ Entertainment; plus other activities, including games, dancing and music.

An asset for the local community

Thursday’s launch is an opportunity for families to come and see what the Family Hub will offer.  Led by Cumberland Council, Whitehaven’s Family Hub will be run in partnership with other local services.  On the opening day, information, advice and guidance stalls will be available with more information.  Local services represented on the day include:

• Family Action
• Inspira – careers advice
• Police and Fire Services
• Copeland Wellness Service
• Citizen’s Advice Bureau
• Social Prescribing Team
• SENDIASS  (Special Education Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Service)

The new services available at the Hub will be shared by a timetable available on social media and on the Cumberland Family Hubs website.  Families are encouraged to follow Cumberland Family Hubs on social media or visit the website to find out more:

Cumberland Family Hubs – Facebook: www.facebook.com/CumberlandFamilyHubs

Cumberland Family Hubs – website: www.cumberlandfamilyhubs.org.uk

Cllr Emma Williamson, Executive Member for Children’s and Family Wellbeing and Housing at Cumberland Council said:

“I am thrilled that we are placing our new Family Hub services right into the heart of Whitehaven, and at the same time, bringing the Old Bank building back into use for the local community.

“We are ambitious for our communities and are determined that our first Family Hub will make a lasting positive impact on the lives of families in Whitehaven.

“Accessing information and support should always be easy and straightforward.   Our Family Hub will provide a friendly, community-based place for activities, advice and support all under one roof, putting relationships at the heart of family support.”

Martin Birch, Director of Children and Family Wellbeing at Cumberland Council added:

“It’s so important families have the right support readily available, in the right place and at the right time; Whitehaven’s Family Hub on the Harbour is ideally placed to support the town’s families through every stage of life.

“Whitehaven’s Family Hub on the Harbour belongs to the community.  We have been working closely with local families in the run up to the launch to ensure it is driven by their needs.  I’m really pleased that the Hub will be opened by local families and the name was voted by the local community.

“It’s set to be a fantastic day and I’m very much looking forward to welcoming families into the Hub.  Everyone is welcome.”

“This is just the start and I look forward to taking the same community-based approach as we look to open other Hubs across the Cumberland area.”

Megan, who is one of the Family Hub on the Harbour’s Parent/Carer Champions from the local community, said:

“The Family Hub will have a positive impact for local families. Everyone will be welcomed and there will be a range of different services available with lots of support on offer in one place. These services will all be working together, and this will hugely benefit families.”