Family hubs to launch in every council area across England by 2028

Date: 22nd July 2025
Category: General measures of implementation, General principles, Family Environment and Alternative Care

---

The government has announced plans to open 1,000 family hubs across England by 2028, offering parents and carers a one-stop shop for advice and support. Backed by £500 million, the rollout will begin in April 2026, with every council set to have at least one hub.

These centres will provide help with breastfeeding, housing issues, early child development, language skills and more. Parents will also be able to register births, access midwifery and maternity care and receive support to stop smoking. Activities for under-fives and youth services will also be available.

The family hubs will build on the current Start for Life programme and aim to replace services lost since 2010, including the closure of more than 1,400 Sure Start centres. Sure Start centres were designed to offer help and advice on child and family health, parenting, money, training and employment. Research by the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS) has shown that children who lived near a Sure Start centre in their early years were more likely to achieve good GCSE results at age 16.

Originally launched in 75 council areas in early 2024, the expanded programme is part of the government’s wider plan, Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life, which will be fully unveiled soon. The strategy aims to improve development for children under five and offer more joined-up support for families.

• Click here to read more