Thorney Close Family Hub officially opened by Mayor of Sunderland

Families in the west of Sunderland are being reminded about their free Family Hub.

The Thorney Close Family Hub was officially opened by the Mayor of Sunderland (Wednesday 28 May), Councillor Ehthesham Haque during a celebratory family fun day for parents, grandparents, carers, children and babies.

Visiting on one of his first official duties as the city's new mayor, Councillor Haque said:

Family Hubs play an important role in our communities - offering everything from antenatal programmes, sensory rooms and play sessions, to guidance on welfare rights and stopping smoking. 

"Thorney Close Family Hub joins our four other hubs offering a fantastic range of free sessions and activities and a welcome place for parents and carers to get advice and support. Family Hubs are where Sunderland's future - its children - come to play, explore, learn and have fun. It's a wonderful place for local families to help them give their children the best start in life."

Based at the Thorney Close Action and Enterprise Centre in Thorney Close, it is the fifth of the city's hubs. The hubs are positioned across the city with existing hubs at: Rainbow Family Hub, Elliott Terrace, Washington; Bunny Hill Family Hub, Hylton Lane, Hylton Castle, Sunderland; Coalfield Family Hub, Hetton and Winnibell Family Hub and in Hendon.

Jamie Scott, Family Hubs and Family Support Service Manager (Interim), said:

We are thrilled to officially open the doors to the fully renovated Thorney Close Family Hub.  While we've been proudly supporting families for some time at Thorney Close, the completion of our renovations funded by the Department of Education, means we can now offer even more in a warmer, more welcoming space. From outdoor play and free activities like crafts, messy play, and Move to Rhyme, to supportive classes such as Young Mams and Dads, breastfeeding support, and introducing solids — there's something here for every family.

"During the last 18 months hub leads have worked closely with partners to offer services families would previously have had to find elsewhere such, as midwifery services and health visitor guidance - by offering this in one place it makes life easier and it means families can get support all the way from pregnancy, right through to when their children become young adults.  Whether families are looking for practical advice, peer support, wellbeing guidance, or simply a friendly place to connect and play, our Family Hubs across Sunderland are here for them. We're proud to offer all of this completely free — something we know makes a real difference to families across our communities."

Whether families are looking for practical advice, peer support

See more at: Family Hubs