“I feel so happy to have a place to come to where my babies are excited to play with others”

The centres had been open in a reduced way since the COVID pandemic, but were reopened fully from September 2023 as part of the Start For Life and Family Hubs Programme. The Council was one of 75 Local Authorities to have been chosen to pilot the scheme.

They act as a ‘one stop shop’, offering support for children, parents and carers and helping them to make friends by introducing them to different activities like antenatal classes and Baby Rhyme Time.

These free classes have allowed local parents to get the answers they’re seeking as well as make special memories with their babies.

There are seven hubs across the borough:

• Central – Edward Street, Grimsby
• East Marsh – Victor Street, Grimsby
• Immingham – Margaret Street, Immingham
• Nunsthorpe – Sutcliffe Avenue, Grimsby
• Queensway – Binbrook Way, Grimsby
• Reynolds – Machray Place, Cleethorpes
• West Marsh – Macaulay Street, Grimsby

Some activities require parents and carers to have appointments booked such as Speech and Language Support, Midwifery Antenatal Clinic and Health Development Checks. For more information on the different hubs and activities they offer, visit Family hubs | NELC (nelincs.gov.uk).

Whilst all the hubs are open, four hubs; Immingham, Nunsthorpe, Reynolds and East Marsh have the full Start for Life offer of activities, however By March 2024, the other three; Queensway, West Marsh and Central will also have the full offer.

Please note Also, East Marsh hub are in the middle of renovations and will be re open on 22 January with parents advised to go to the Central Family Hub where the activities from East marsh have been moved to. For more information on the different hubs and activities they offer, visit Family hubs | NELC (nelincs.gov.uk).

East Marsh hub will be shut until 22nd January with parents advised to go to the Central Hub should they wish to take part in any activity or class.

Since reopening fully, parents have been praising the centres for the work they do. One parent said: “to bring my kids here after I used to come with my mum as a child is brilliant and they have what I had now.”

Another added: “I feel so happy to have a place to come to where my babies are excited to play with others, and for me I have met new friends after being quite lonely”

The centres have also taught people a number of valuable life lessons. “I feel so welcome here and planned play is just great for my kids, I have learned how to be more creative at home without spending money,” said one parent.

The classes also benefit them personally with one saying: “I just feel a part of something great and can talk about my worries with no judgement – I feel so much more confident.”

Margaret Cracknell, Portfolio Holder for Education and Children said: “The work these family hubs are doing across our borough is nothing short of amazing.

“They provide exceptional support and advice for all the parents and carers across North East Lincolnshire and help to teach children valuable lessons.

“We were honoured to be chosen as one of only 75 authorities to pilot the Start To Life scheme and are glad to say it has been a complete success.”