Peter Lamb MP visits new Bewbush Family Hub and encourages Crawley families to make the most of free support

Crawley's Labour MP, Peter Lamb, has visited the new Best Start Family Hub in Bewbush, welcoming the expansion of free services for local families and highlighting the importance of giving every child the best possible start in life.

Located in Dorsten Square, the Bewbush Best Start Family Hub is part of the Labour Government's commitment to rebuilding family support services, bringing together practical advice, early years development and specialist support in one welcoming and accessible location. During his visit, Peter had the opportunity to see the facilities available to local families, including sensory rooms, a sensory toy library, social and play spaces, and interactive play facilities.

The Hub also connects families with a wider range of free services, including parenting advice, child development activities, support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and guidance on issues such as infant feeding, sleep, finances and emotional wellbeing.

Family Hubs support parents and carers from pregnancy through to when their children turn 19, or 25 for young people with SEND. They also offer opportunities for families to meet other parents, build friendships and access help before difficulties become more serious. A particular focus of the Government's approach is the first 1,001 days of a child's life, from conception to their second birthday. This crucial period lays the foundations for a child's physical, emotional and cognitive development, influencing their health, wellbeing and opportunities later in life.

The Labour Government has committed to expanding its Healthy Babies programme across England, strengthening access to infant feeding advice, mental health support, health visitors and midwives, and helping parents develop.

Peter Lamb, Labour MP for Crawley, said: “It was fantastic to visit the new Family Hub in Bewbush and see first-hand the support being offered to parents and children in our community.

“Every child in Crawley deserves the best possible start in life, and the first 1,001 days are absolutely crucial in shaping their development, health and future opportunities.

“For too long, families across Crawley have seen vital early years services cut back, making it harder for parents to access the help they need. I'm delighted that this Labour Government is investing in restoring these services and ensuring support is available closer to home.

“Whether it's help with parenting, advice on child development or simply somewhere for families to meet and children to play, this new Hub will make a real difference to people in Bewbush and across Crawley.

“I would encourage all local parents and carers to pop in, meet the friendly team and make the most of the fantastic free services available.”