24/08/2026
Best Start Family Hubs are going from strength to strength, according to the Green and Independent Alliance (GAIA) leading Worcestershire County Council. The alliance, in partnership with other stakeholders, is celebrating success following the decision to recommission services for the future.
Since 2023/24, use of the hubs has increased significantly, with more than 50,000 contacts recorded last year and thousands more supported through outreach sessions. The locally-based centres across the county provide practical support for families, including antenatal care, speech and language support, breastfeeding advice, smoking cessation programmes and community outreach. They play an important role in terms of early intervention and preventative approaches, ensuring families can access support early, close to home.
Councillor Alan Bailes, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, welcomed progress saying: “Worcestershire’s focus on prevention is delivering real results. By helping families access support early, we’re saving money, improving lives, reducing pressure on public services and delivering better outcomes for residents.”
Alongside improvements in breastfeeding rates and reductions in childhood obesity, the county has seen a seven per cent reduction in emergency hospital admissions.
Cllr Bailes continued: “This demonstrates the value of investing in services that help people stay healthy and independent, rather than waiting until they reach crisis point and require more intensive support. The Family Hubs are a key part of that preventative approach, helping families access help before problems become more serious.”
GAIA believes Best Start Family Hubs are exactly the kind of positive, community-focused leadership residents expect. By prioritising prevention, early intervention and accessible local services, the administration is improving health outcomes, reducing pressure on NHS services and helping ensure Worcestershire residents receive the support they need to thrive.
Portrait photo of head and shoulders of Green And Independent Alliance, Worcestershire County Council cabinet member for Public Health Alan Bailes
Good News: "Prevention saves money and is better for families"
The Green Party led county administration has just released funds for public health projects that will save hundreds of thousands of pounds.
In the picture: Green And Independent Alliance cabinet member, Cllr Alan Bailes.
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