Family Hubs: Welcoming Spaces for Families Across Wirral
Family life can be full of challenges, but support is always within reach at Wirral’s Family Hubs. These warm and friendly spaces bring together a huge network of professionals, organisations, and services all under one roof to help families thrive. Whether you’re looking for advice on parenting, need support with finances, or just want to connect with other families, the Family Hubs are here for you.
What are Family Hubs?
Family Hubs are open to all families with children aged 0-19 (or up to 25 for those with special educational needs). They are run by a wide network of professionals from different organisations, including health services, local charities, education providers, and community groups. There’s no need for referrals or complicated processes, just walk in and access the support you need from friendly staff who are there to help.
With 10 main Family Hubs and 18 Satellite Hubs across Wirral, there’s always a hub nearby. You’re welcome to visit any of them, not just those closest to you. If another hub offers a service or activity that interests you, you’re more than welcome to visit.
Find a hub near you by visiting: Family Toolbox - Family Hubs
Main Family Hubs vs. Satellite Hubs – what’s the difference?
Wirral’s Family Hub network includes 10 main Family Hubs and a series of Satellite Hubs. The main hubs are fully equipped centres offering a comprehensive range of services, including parenting support, activities for children, health services, and general advice. Some also provide specialist support, such as midwifery services and SEND programmes.
The Satellite Hubs are community-based spaces that are linked to the main hubs. While they may not offer every core service, they act as a key connection point between families and the support available. Staff at Satellite Hubs may be able to offer help directly, or they can also guide families to the main hubs or other local services that best meet their needs, making sure no one is left without help.
What can you expect when you visit?
Each Family Hub is a welcoming space designed to make life easier for families. Instead of having to visit multiple organisations separately, you’ll find a range of support services all in one place, including:
- Parenting support and activities for children
- Health services such as midwifery, health visiting and infant feeding advice
- Help with money management
- Wellbeing and mental health support
- Social supermarkets and community gatherings
Activities for families
Family Hubs aren’t just about support, they are also a place for fun, learning, and community. Each hub runs a timetable of activities designed to support children’s development through play, while also giving parents a chance to bond with their little ones and meet other families. Here’s some examples of sessions hubs provide:
- Stay and play – a fun and interactive space where children can learn through play
- Baby massage – a relaxing activity to support bonding and development
- Sensory play – perfect for babies and toddlers to explore new textures and experiences
- Speech and language development groups – helping little ones build communication skills
- SEND-specific sessions – tailored support for children with additional needs
These activities don’t just help children develop, they also create a space for parents to form friendships, share experiences, and feel part of a supportive community.
Specialised support
Beyond the core offer, some hubs offer specialist services tailored to their local communities and what they want, some of these include:
- Rainbows group for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or social and communication difficulties
- Wirral Lifelong Learning Service courses
- Extensive health services including midwifery support
- Access to Citizens Advice Wirral and debt support
- Parenting support groups and mental health support groups
- Specialist SEND services
- Breastfeeding support
Affordable and accessible for everyone
Accessing help and support at Wirral’s Family Hubs is completely free, there are no costs for getting advice, speaking to staff, or using the support services available. Most of the sessions and activities for families are also free, ensuring that every parent, carer, and child can take part without financial worry.
Some hubs host activities and sessions that require specialist or additional staff support, these may have a small charge, but these costs are kept as low as possible, often no more than £5 per child or family. Please speak to the friendly team at your local Hub for further support and information.
A network of support across Wirral
Family Hubs are more than just community centres, they are part of a joined-up network of support across Wirral. Each hub works closely with schools, health professionals, social care teams, and charities to ensure families receive the right help at the right time. If a service isn’t available at your local hub, staff will connect you with the right organisation that can provide the support you need.
Four of the Family Hubs also house multi-disciplinary teams, including social workers and family workers, to provide extra support for families facing difficulties. These teams work quickly to help families when challenges arise, ensuring small challenges don’t escalate into bigger ones.
Find your nearest Hub
With several locations across Wirral, there’s a Family Hub ready to welcome you. Whether you want to join a stay and play session, get advice on finances, or simply meet other parents, the hubs are open to everyone.
Visit Family Toolbox to find your nearest hub and see what’s on offer.
