Home-Start UK has welcomed the announcement that over 200 new Best Start Family Hubs in areas not previously funded are now open to families, and that up to 2,000 satellite locations will be opened to families by the end of 2028.

Jodie Reed and Natalie Acton, co-CEOs of Home-Start UK said:

"Home-Start is delighted that a new generation of Best Start in Life Family Hubs are officially opening their doors today. And we warmly welcome the news that a further 2,000 existing community locations will be supported to bring more services together for families as Best Start in Life satellite sites.

In particular, we welcome Ministers' emphasis on creating more joined-up support for families through closer working with existing community partners. The Government's aspirations in this area are clear. We sincerely hope that this is matched with the effective steering of local investment so that voluntary sector services, such as Home-Start, are able to play their role and ensure Best Start in Life delivers impact for children whose families face the greatest challenges.  

Home-Start's national network of community charities has a long history of working hand-in-hand with Children's Centres and Family Hubs, from the earliest days of Sure Start. The strong and trusting relationships which our trained community volunteers build with families over months of weekly home-visiting gives parents who feel vulnerable the confidence and encouragement they need to come forward and access other support services. Knowing their communities as they do, our staff and volunteers are also exceptionally well placed to deliver peer support groups and parenting programmes with families who other services find hard to engage. 

These community assets are well recognised and respected, and we hope to harness them further for the benefit of children and families on the back of today's announcements."