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Supporting Families: New Investment in hopes of Real Impact

The Parent & Family Support Charity Sector continues to evolve, with significant developments announced in July 2025, and coming into fruition in 2026, that promise to strengthen services and reach more families than ever before.

Best Start Family Hubs

A cornerstone of this progress is the expansion of Best Start Family Hubs. By the end of March 2026, 200 new hubs had opened in areas previously without funding. This rapid rollout continues, with 800 hubs expected to be operational in the next couple of months, and an ambitious target of 1,000 hubs nationwide by 2028.

Backing this expansion is a £900 million investment over three years, broken down into:

  • £500 million to deliver hubs across the country
  • £200 million for Healthy Babies services
  • £200 million to fund SEND practitioners in every hub

Each hub is designed to offer joined-up, accessible support, ensuring families don’t fall through gaps in the system. Dedicated outreach workers will proactively engage families, while specialist practitioners identify additional needs early—helping parents access the right support without navigating complex referral pathways.

A More Joined-Up Start for Families

A key innovation within the hubs is the integration of Healthy Babies services, bringing together:

  • Midwifery
  • Health visiting
  • Infant feeding support
  • Perinatal mental health services

This approach ensures families receive consistent, coordinated care from day one, improving outcomes for both parents and children.

Dads Matter: A Growing Impact

Another powerful example of targeted support is Dad Matters, part of Home-Start. Originally launched in Manchester, the programme has expanded nationally following a £1 million, five-year investment.

Between 2017 and 2025, the programme has:

  • Supported over 40,000 dads
  • Delivered 1-to-1 peer support to nearly 2,000 fathers
  • Achieved 84% improvement in mental health and wellbeing
  • Increased knowledge of bonding and attachment for 77% of participants

What sets Dad Matters apart is its focus on peer-led support, amplifying their voices and experiences. The programme demonstrates how targeted interventions can significantly improve family wellbeing.

Looking Ahead

The expansion of Best Start Family Hubs and programmes like Dad Matters signals a shift towards preventative, family-centred support. By combining investment with early intervention and community-based delivery, the sector is moving closer to ensuring that every family—regardless of location—can access the help they need. 

Photo by Luemen Rutkowski on Unsplash

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