A NEW venue offering support for families in one place has opened in Ferndown – with another set to follow this month (February).

A Family Hub, offering access to help and support from groups including Dorset Council, NHS health visitors, midwives, early years practitioners, voluntary, community and faith sector partners and more, opened at The Centre, in Tricketts Cross.

Opened at the start of the month, the Ferndown facility is set to be followed by another Family Hub at Wimborne by the end of February.

Dorset was part of the first round of local authorities, announced by the government last May, who benefited from an award of £875,450 to set up Family Hubs.

Providing visible, appealing and welcoming spaces for families, Cllr Andrew Parry, the council’s portfolio holder for children, education, skills and early help, said the hubs would provide much-needed support for people aged from 0 to 25 and their families.

“We were incredibly pleased to open our first Family Hub at Ferndown recently,” he said.

“The Hub will strengthen the support and services we deliver for children, young people and their families.”

Now, the new Wimborne hub has been announced, offering the same support within reach of those who need it.

“Where there is a physical presence, the Hubs are set in buildings that provide a number of services, including lots of community groups, so there will also be opportunities to make friends in the community through activities,” Cllr Parry added.

The Hubs will not be just in physical locations, as the council is also working on an online presence, known as Our Digital Family Offer, giving parents and carers the chance to access advice and support online.