Family Fun Day brings Hounslow families together

Hounslow Family Hubs’ Fun Day saw a popular return on Thursday, 8 August, with a record 876 parents, carers, children and young people attending the one-day event at the Old Isleworthians.?

The number of attendees was more than double that of the same event held in April.?

Gemma, a mother of an eight-month-old, regularly visits Family Hubs to attend sessions such as baby massage and Talk, Listen, Connect (TLC). She praised the support for her and her child from Family Hubs, commenting:

“They are brilliant. Family Hubs allow my baby to experience something different. He can mix with other babies of slightly different ages and see them doing other things. It’s also lovely for me to be with other parents, talking to them and learning their experiences.”?

Since the launch of Family Hubs in Hounslow, Brentford and Feltham in July 2023, over 5,000 parents and children have visited and received help. The Family Hubs have continued to see significant increase in number of families visiting each month. Families can visit the hubs to access support and services they need to build thriving families.?

Claire, who has been using the services and support from the Alf King Family Hub in Feltham since she was 16-weeks pregnant, has took part in various sessions for babies including yoga, massage and Stay and Play.?

She said:

“My son really loves going to the Family Hub every day. We’ve also made good friends there. The Family Hub staff are always supportive, and we’ve even got a WhatsApp group. For example, at today’s fun day, I didn’t expect to get a food voucher and a free drink for my child. I thought I would have to pay for them at least. I think it’s just a godsend for a lot of parents especially during the summer holidays.”

Home-Start Richmond, Kingston, Hounslow is one of the partners of Hounslow Family Hubs delivering perinatal mental health peer support services for families with children aged under five. The charity has hosted mental health groups for families, group activities for children aged under five and provided referral processes for families who need one-to-one support.?

Frances Houston, Trustee of Home-Start said:

“Whether it's about parents being ill, feeling isolated or just arriving in Hounslow, we can match them with a volunteer to help them, ensuring the wellbeing of children despite the challenges faced by the adults.”?

Home-Start has also received some funding and support from Hounslow Council. As a charity, they raise funds and are always in need of more volunteers to run their services. Frances added:

“We always need volunteers with lived experiences. We’d like families to be matched with volunteers who know what they’re going through and can offer the best possible help.”?

Families with children aged 0-19, or up to 25 years old if they have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) living in the borough, can visit Hounslow Family Hubs in person or contact them here to get information, advice and support. To learn more about Family Hubs in Hounslow, you can visit their website .