Early years hub for young disabled to open at East Preston

The plans have been announced by West Sussex County Council, which said the village’s service would be based at the East Preston Children and Family Centre, in St Mary’s Drive.

The scheme is set to launch in the autumn. It is hoped it will help make it easier for families with young disabled children to access advice, guidance and services at a convenient location.

Peter Evans, West Sussex cabinet member for children, said: “These new hubs will undoubtedly be hugely beneficial to families with young disabled children.

“They will place vital support in the heart of the community across the county and will enhance the excellent services our Children and Family Centres already provide.”

The hubs will be based at family centres across West Sussex and have been developed with the input of parents.

They will work closely with child development centres run by health trusts, and new specialist health visitors.

Each hub will offer a range of facilities, from support groups, information for parents of children with special needs, to a to library, and a range of physical therapies.

The first facility to open will be in Chichester.