Family hubs: Joining forces to create positive change in our communities

Essex Family Hub model

Service integration and strategic joint commissioning has been key to the success of the model.

The integrated way of working brings together health and social care and has been proven to make a positive difference to families in Essex with:

• 99% of children and young people supported reaching their personal goals following a period of support.
• 94% of risks removed/mitigated for children and young people following subsequent assessments.
• 98% of young parents making more positive lifestyle choices following support.
• 96% of mothers saying their emotional wellbeing improved after support.
• 93% of children and young people supported being able to manage their care at home and avoiding hospital admission/extended stay.

The Essex family hub model has been studied as part of the Family Hubs Innovation Fund Evaluation project, delivered by Ecorys UK in partnership with Clarissa White Research and Starts Consulting. Researchers collated data concerning the implementation, procedures, results, impacts, and economic advantages of family hubs in five distinct geographic locations, each at varying stages of development. Notably, Essex Family Hubs were among the earliest established.

The interim research paper is here.

Family Hub conference and service user feedback

In March 2023, we hosted a Family Hub Conference in Essex, which was a great success. The event focused on sharing how the family hub model is reshaping and enhancing the lives of children, young individuals, and families.180 professionals with a shared interest and passion in the delivery of family hubs attended from across the country. The event provided a platform for leading experts to share their knowledge and engage in discussions regarding commissioning, transformation, outcome frameworks, and system integration.

In 2023 we also welcomed Head of Community Nursing at NHS England, Sam Sherrington to Treehouse hub in Harlow, which marked the first time a Chief Nurse has visited an independent healthcare provider. Sam met staff including community nurses, health visitors, school nurses, family wellbeing nurses, therapists and support workers, as well as some of the families who benefit from the services.

Feedback from service users

“Due to the recession money is tight for our family. Being able to attend a free stay, play and learn has really helped us. I am very impressed by the child friendly space, the range of toys and activities and the relaxed atmosphere. Thankyou.”

“Baby massage was so helpful as I was very nervous about going out and overwhelmed with her crying and not being able to cope. The baby massage introduced me to a new group of mums that were in a similar situation and gave me confidence to go out on my own.”

“I am so grateful that I am able to come to these events. Without you, I’m unable to go through the year with five children as a single parent. Thank you”

Essex quality account extracts 2022/2023

Essex County Council – extract from Essex Quality Account 2022/23

The service has worked closely with commissioners but also, helpfully, been extremely proactive in proposing innovative working methods to explore ways of best supporting children and families in Essex. This has been driven as much by a desire for innovation as well as a practical response to both resource and national policy constraints and reflects considerable expertise in trying to ensure that those with greatest need get the greatest support. This flexible delivery and mature but open mindset, based on a sensitive understanding of relative need, will be critical going forward as we undertake the transformation necessary in response to current and likely future contexts of children and family need.

Hertfordshire & West Essex Integrated Care Board (HWE ICB) – extract from Essex Quality Account 2022/23

ECFWS continued to demonstrate that the service considers the holistic needs of the family and the impact upon them in challenging times. HWE ICB noted the commitment of the service to gather views from service users to ensure priorities reflect their needs. HWE ICB also recognises the challenges experience by the service in 2022/23 and look forward to a continued collaborative working relationship as well as building on existing successes and collectively taking forward needed improvements to delivery high quality services within existing financial constraints.