A new Family Hub has officially opened in Kingswood, offering support for older children, young people, and their families to address emotional wellbeing and enhance mental health.
Housed in the former caretaker’s residence within the grounds of King’s Oak Academy, the Kingswood Family Hub is a collaborative pilot initiative. South Gloucestershire Council, Cabot Learning Federation (which oversees King’s Oak Academy), Kingswood Town Council, and local support service providers have come together to establish the facility. The building, now known as “Martin’s House,” honors the legacy of Martin, the academy’s former caretaker.
The hub provides a wide range of services designed to improve emotional wellbeing, foster stronger relationships between young people and their families, and build resilience in youth as they transition into adulthood. The aim is to support young people by offering advice, guidance, and services tailored to their mental health needs, including early intervention and prevention.
South Gloucestershire Council acknowledges the growing challenges faced by many young people and families, particularly in the wake of the pandemic and financial hardships. The new Family Hub aims to address these issues by offering a safe space for families to share concerns early, with timely access to the necessary services.
Located within the community, the Family Hub is a key part of the South Gloucestershire Children’s Partnership Early Help Offer. By bringing services closer to home, the initiative ensures that teachers and professionals can more easily refer young people and families in need of help to the right resources. This creates a familiar and supportive environment for those seeking assistance.
A range of partners is involved in the initiative, including:
- Creative Youth Network, providing a wellbeing practitioner and youth worker funded by the Town Council.
- The local Mental Health Support Team, offering drop-in services and additional support.
- School nurses, who will be available to guide both students and their families.
- Off The Record, a mental health movement focused on providing support for young people aged 11-25.
- Compass, the Council’s Early Help navigation team, which ensures families can access the right help at the right time.
- South Gloucestershire Care Leavers, providing drop-in support for young people with care experience.
Hilary Smith, Director of Education, Skills and Learning at South Gloucestershire Council, expressed the importance of Family Hubs in the Council’s Early Help Offer. “Family Hubs focus on three key elements: Access, Connection, and Relationships,” she said. “The Kingswood Family Hub puts these principles into practice by making services more accessible to families and fostering connections between service providers. This collaborative approach ensures that families don’t have to repeat their stories and allows agencies to better meet young people’s needs.”
Katherine Ogden, Principal of King’s Oak Academy, also shared her enthusiasm for the new hub. “We are thrilled to open this space where families and young people can access the support they need,” she stated. “Our goal is to strengthen our community and improve access to early support services, ensuring that young people and families receive the assistance they deserve.”
The Kingswood Family Hub is a vital step toward improving the mental health and emotional wellbeing of young people and their families, offering them the support necessary for a brighter, more resilient future.
