Gosport will soon become home to a new family support hub.
Hampshire County Council has confirmed the latest location for its Best Start Family Hubs programme, designed to give children the best start in life through early years support.
The hub, set to open later this year at the Alver Valley Family Centre, will offer support for children and families from pregnancy through to starting school and beyond, with additional network sites at Gosport Discovery Centre, King’s Academies Gosport Community Hub, and Bridgemary Library.
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Roz Chadd, councillor responsible for children’s services, said: "While parenting certainly doesn’t come with a manual, having the right support around you – when and where you need it – can make a significant difference.
"This is an exciting step and will bring valuable services much closer together, helping families to access joined-up support from day one and in the heart of their local communities."
The Gosport hub is one of three new locations announced by the county council, alongside Andover and Alton.
Each hub will serve as a main centre, supported by a network of additional sites to reach families across the wider area.
Part of a government-backed national strategy, the scheme aims to reduce inequalities, improve early development, and strengthen resilience in families by offering a range of services in the areas of greatest need.
Support will include parenting programmes, health visiting, infant feeding support, early learning advice, and signposting to other services.
The hubs are part of a wider plan to launch around 30 sites across Hampshire, targeting areas with higher levels of deprivation and greater demand for support.
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Cllr Chadd said: "We know that every community is different and that it is essential to shape the offer in each hub, by listening carefully to local parents, carers and key stakeholders who undoubtedly know their communities best.
"That’s why we have been working closely with both residents and partners including schools, early years providers, and community, faith and voluntary organisations.
"As we move towards opening the hubs later this year, we will continue to work side by side with the local communities to understand their individual needs and ensure that each hub is developed with these fully in mind."
Opening dates and full service details will be announced in the coming months.
