Case studies

In 2019, Plymouth consulted with children and families across the city to understand their perspectives on babies’, children’s and young people’s services. The consultation found that families had to navigate a complex system to access support. Furthermore, vulnerable families were sometimes distressed when they interacted with too many practitioners who they did not have an existing relationship with, reiterating their story multiple times.

Despite not having received Family Hubs and Start for Life programme funding, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) and Westminster City Council wanted to strengthen the delivery of their Start for Life Offer through increased integration and formalisation of services.

Supporting new and expectant parents as they make the transition into parenthood is crucial for providing babies with the best start in life. The Family Hub and Start for Life Programme in Wolverhampton includes various workstreams, all focused on providing supportive and inclusive parenting support and community outreach initiatives.

This case study examines how Somerset Council, following the wave of unitary authority creations in 2019 created their Target Operating Model, helping the new council navigate financial pressures and foster a new shared culture focused on delivering better resident outcomes.

Barnsley’s Family Hub network works across the borough to ensure families receive the right support in the right place at the right time. A central part of the Family Hubs offer is support for parents. The approach is rooted in the belief that stronger parent–child relationships lead to better outcomes for children, and that early support should be available in familiar, local settings, without judgement.

Barnsley Council has six area councils and 21 ward alliances involving all councillors along with local community representatives. These both have devolved powers and dedicated funding to support local priorities.

Preventing and relieving homelessness for refugees and former asylum seekers in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP), especially those arriving via Ukraine sponsorship, Afghan resettlement, and family reunification schemes.

In June 2025, Dudley Council launched a new spoke within its Family Hub Network at Halesowen Leisure Centre, marking a significant step in expanding access to integrated support for families.

This case study examines how Torbay Council and its partners developed robust data sharing arrangements across three agencies to improve Family Hub service delivery. It highlights practical steps including establishing a shared vision and transitioning from separate IT systems to a single centralised platform, offering valuable lessons for other local authorities implementing multi-agency data sharing.

The Isle of Wight Family Hubs enhanced antenatal support by integrating maternity services with Family Hub programmes, notably the evidence-based “Welcome to the World.” This initiative improved early engagement, increased parental confidence, and strengthened pathways to postnatal services. Midwives refer families via Badgernet at 16 weeks, boosting access to workshops and support. Data shows rising participation and improved parental wellbeing, especially among underrepresented group