The centre is the latest community venue to join the programme, which connects families with local services, advice and opportunities designed to help children get the best possible start in life. It joins nine existing Family Hub spoke sites across Walsall, complementing the borough's four main Best Start Family Hubs.
The new spoke site will offer a range of activities focused on family health, wellbeing and early years development. Families can benefit from free pelvic pilates sessions for new mums, while new sensory classes for babies will provide opportunities for parents and children to bond, learn and build connections with others in their local community.
The expansion of the Family Hubs network supports Walsall's 2040 ambition to become a child-friendly borough, and where children and young people are healthy, safe, happy and able to thrive.
“ We are delighted to welcome Walsall Gala Swimming & Fitness Centre to our growing Best Start Family Hubs network. This is another important step in ensuring families can access the right support, in the right place and at the right time, helping to give every child the very best start in life.
Councillor Lisa Jones, Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Skills
By extending Family Hub services into trusted community venues, we are creating more opportunities for parents and carers to access health, wellbeing and early years support closer to home, and this work plays a pivotal role in achieving our We Are Walsall 2040 ambition “
Walsall Council
“ It's fantastic to see Walsall Gala Swimming & Fitness Centre joining our Best Start Family Hubs network. Improving access to health and wellbeing services in local communities is vital, and this new spoke site will help families access activities that support physical health, emotional wellbeing and positive family relationships from the earliest stages of life “
Councillor Matt Eason, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Health and Wellbeing
Walsall Council
Best Start Family Hubs are at the heart of Walsall's commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people and families. They provide a one-stop network of support from pregnancy through childhood and adolescence, bringing together services that help families navigate life's challenges and celebrate its milestones.
The hubs offer information, advice, activities and specialist support on a wide range of issues, including infant feeding, child development, school readiness, parenting support, emotional wellbeing, SEND, relationships and family health. By working closely with partners across health, education, community and voluntary services, family hubs support local parents and carers to help they may need through a connected and coordinated approach.
Walsall's four main Best Start Family Hubs are located at:
Together with a growing network of community spokes, including Walsall Gala Swimming & Fitness Centre, the hubs aim to ensure that children in Walsall have the best possible start in life.
For more information on activities available at Walsall Gala Swimming & Fitness Centre visit the Council website.
To find out more about Best Start Family Hubs, upcoming activities and available support, visit the Family Hubs website.
For the latest updates, follow Walsall Families in the Know on Facebook.
