Family Hubs – Best Start Bedford Borough is a one-stop-shop for parents and carers to find information, ideas and support for your family, no matter what the age of your children. If you are looking for something to do, help for your family, or just an answer to a question we have information to support learning, health, development, emotional wellbeing and much more.
What Family Hubs do
Family Hubs are welcoming places where families can get a wide range of advice and support, all in one place. They support families with children from birth up to age 19, and up to age 25 for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Family Hubs offer support with everyday things like health, education, parenting, and emotional well-being. They focus especially on helping young children develop and thrive. Families can take part in activities that help children learn, stay healthy, and grow with confidence.
How families benefit
- Easy access: Families can find many services in one place or be connected to the right support nearby.
- All-round support: Hubs offer help with a range of needs, not just one issue.
- Better results: When services work together, children and families are more likely to do well.
Family Hubs are safe and supportive spaces where families get the help they need to grow stronger, and where children have the best chance to succeed in life.
Youth Offer at Central Family Hub
Starting this term, there will also be a special youth offer available at the Central Family Hub. This will include activities and support for young people, giving them a space to connect, build confidence, and get advice on things that matter to them.
Where are the Family Hubs and Children’s Centres?
We have centres across Bedford:
- Queens Park Family Hub, Marlborough Road, MK40 4LE
- Pine Cones Family Hub, Slade Walk, MK41
- Daisy Hill Children's Centre, Hillgrounds Road, MK42 8QH
- Cherry Trees Children's Centre, Hawkins Road MK42 9LS
- Central Family Hub, 30 Allhallows, MK40 1LN
- Bluebells Family Hub, Village Road, Bromham, MK43 8JP
- Eastcotts Family Hub, 65 Beauvais Square, Shortstown MK42 0GG
We also have four pop-up Family Hubs in community locations:
- Wixams Pop Up - Lakeview Village Hall, Brooklands Ave, Wixams MK42 6AB
- Thurleigh Pop Up - Thurleigh Village Hall, High Street, Thurleigh MK44 2DB
- Goldington Pop Up - St Mary’s Church Hall, Church Lane, Goldington MK41 0AN
- Wootton Pop Up - Wootton Community Centre, Harris Way MK43 9FZ
What happens at a Family Hub?
We have a full timetable for 0-5 year olds and we are working to introduce activities for older children and young people. Most of our sessions are free or low cost and many are drop in, so there is no need to book. We also offer bookable activities, workshops and courses for families, children and young people aged 0-19 (or 25 with SEND). Find out what’s on in Bedford Borough on our Family Hubs website.
You can find regular updates on things to do, information and ideas to help families in the local area on our Family Hubs Facebook page and by signing up to receive our half-termly newsletter straight to your inbox.
Activities and services running from the Family Hubs:
- Play, learn and exploration activities for babies and children aged 0-11.
- Workshops and short courses to help you with all aspects of parenting and supporting your child’s development such as toilet training, feeding and understanding behaviour.
- Well-being and mental health support for children, young people and adults.
- Support for parents who are breastfeeding and want to meet others and have the chance to ask for advice.
- Dads' and family groups at the weekend.
- Quiet sessions and support groups for children with SEND.
- Baby Massage to help you bond with baby.
- Help and advice with the everyday challenges as a parent.
Find out more on Family Hubs - Best Start Bedford.
How can I get in touch?
You can email us for more information at familyhubs@bedford.gov.uk or send us a message via our Family Hubs Facebook or Instagram pages and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
If you'd like to speak to someone please call us on 0300 323 0245 (8.30am-4.30pm Monday-Friday) or contact the Family Information service on 0800 023 2057 (open Monday-Friday 9-4pm with a 24 hour answerphone service).
How do you know what families want?
We have an ongoing survey to help us find out what families want, whether you have used our service or not we’d love to hear from you.
We also have our Family Hub Parent Partners who are parents like you, who work with us to develop and shape our services.
Can I help?
Yes! We want our Family Hubs in Bedford Borough to be right for parents and their families and the only way we can make sure we are doing that is to have you involved.
- Volunteer at our Family Hubs. We are always looking for volunteers to support at our sessions. This can be a great opportunity to gain skills working with young children and families. Please note, this is subject to interview and relevant clearances.
- Parent partners help us to develop, improve and understand the needs of local families. Click on the link and fill in a short form if you would like to join us, Become a Parent Partner.