Families in Buckinghamshire will soon have easier access to help and advice with the launch of a new Family Hub Network.

The network aims to provide support and guidance to families at the earliest opportunity by uniting professionals and community groups across the Aylesbury Vale, Chiltern & South Bucks, and Wycombe areas.

It connects a multitude of local and county-wide organisations, including Buckinghamshire Council, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, Oxford Health Foundation NHS Trust, educational providers, social enterprises, and voluntary, community, and faith groups.

The network's primary function is to support families who visit its sites directly or to signpost them to a relevant organisation when additional support is necessary.

The network aims to match families with the most suitable support for their individual circumstances, utilising local connections and knowledge to navigate the variety of services and providers available in the area.

The official launch of the Family Hub Network took place at the Hithercroft Family Centre in High Wycombe.

Families were invited to a Play and Explore session to learn more about the network's functionality.

The event was attended by Councillor Anita Cranmer, the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Education, ward members, and a range of partner agencies.

These included Kooth, One Can Trust, Family Learning, Disraeli School, and representatives from the Early Help Partnership Board, such as Thames Valley Police and FACT Bucks.

Councillor Cranmer, speaking at the event, highlighted the network's potential to ease access to various services and information that could assist families in their daily lives.

She said: "This partnership brings professionals and community groups together to help children, young people, and families to get access to the help they need to resolve issues early.

"By working collaboratively in this way, we are also helping to reduce the demand for more costly intervention services down the line, so it is beneficial for everyone."

Cassim Kaweesa from Kooth expressed enthusiasm for the new network, stating: "I am really excited about the Family Hub Network in Bucks.

"Professionals collaborating in this way enables families to get the support they need, in places they know and trust, making asking for early help feel safe and accessible."

The Family Hub Network is set to improve the way families access support and services in Buckinghamshire, fostering a more connected community and providing a comprehensive support system for residents.