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Leigh On Sea News: Family Centres Consultation – SOUTHEND City Council has launched a crucial seven-week consultation to help shape the future of the family centre service in the city.
Family Centres Consultation - SOUTHEND City Council has launched a crucial seven-week consultation to help shape the future of the family centre service in the city.
Leigh On Sea News: Family Centres Consultation – SOUTHEND City Council has launched a crucial seven-week consultation to help shape the future of the family centre service in the city.
The consultation, running until Thursday February 1, 2024, seeks public input so that the council can balance financial challenges while maintaining a commitment to providing the best start in life for local children.
 The Family Centres, spread across nine sites, offer a range of services including antenatal classes, child health clinics, support for breastfeeding, and various activities to promote child development. The proposed changes aim to ensure services are both affordable and provide value for money while meeting the diverse needs of residents.
 The council is considering three options, with Option 1 recommended for its potential to introduce new efficiencies, save between £380,000 to £420,000 per year, reduce duplication and target resources at areas of highest need.
 This option would see some form of family centre service maintained in eight of the current buildings. St Luke’s Church in Southend, which provides a Stay and Play sessions once a week, would be the only building that would stop providing any family centre service under this option.
 Coun Helen Boyd, cabinet member for children and learning, said: “Our family centre services play a crucial role in our community and on a range of issues such as supporting pregnant women, families with children under five, and addressing issues such as food poverty and emotional well-being.
“We understand the importance of these services to our community, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they are sustainable, efficient, and effective into the future.
 “We want to hear from you. Your input will help us make informed decisions about the future of these services, balancing the need for savings with the commitment to providing quality support for families in Southend.”
 Coun James Moyies, cabinet member with responsibility for public health, said: “The consultation is one of several that will be taking place over the coming weeks, as part of the council’s effort to set a balanced budget for 2024/25 and beyond, with a focus on addressing the financial challenges we face.
 “We encourage all residents, whether currently using the centres or not, to share their views. Your feedback will help us design a family centre service that aligns with the needs and priorities of our community.”
 Residents, professionals, and partners are encouraged to share their views through an online survey, paper surveys in libraries and council locations, or by contacting the council via email, phone, or mail.
How to participate: Complete the online survey by visiting: yoursay.southend.gov.uk/family-centre-services. Fill out a paper survey available in Southend’s libraries, Civic Centre, or Family Centres. Email: [email protected]. Call: 01702 212876 or 01702 534335. Write to: Southend-on-Sea City Council, Operational Performance and Intelligence, PO Box 6, Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6ER.
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