UK Government to revive family services, supporting 500,000 more kids

Up to 1,000 Best Start Family Hubs to be rolled out across England to provide wide-ranging help for families, such as parenting and early development

Parents across England will benefit from greater support to make family life easier on their doorstep, as the government rolls out ‘Best Start Family Hubs’ across every local authority – relieving pressure on parents and giving half a million more children the very best start in life.

Postcodes shouldn’t dictate the support available, but one in four families with children under five cannot access local children’s centres or Family Hubs, rising to one in three lower income families.

This means thousands of parents cut off from vital community support networks and specialist services – left to navigate the challenges of parenthood alone – as well as a devastating impact on children’s life chances, with early development, wellbeing and future attainment all in jeopardy.  

Best Start Family Hubs will act as a one stop shop for parents seeking a range of support, including on difficulty breastfeeding, housing issues or children’s early development and language, reassuring families that they have convenient access to support in their local area or can be efficiently connected to specialist local services.

Rolling out in every local authority by April 2026, Hubs will offer interventions and courses which work for parents – such as stay and play groups which help parents connect or sessions which help manage children’s emotional needs – while providing a single point of access for services across health, education, and wellbeing.

Backed by over £500 million, the rollout will help transform the existing Family Hubs and Start for Life programme and create up to 1,000 hubs across the country by the end of 2028. This includes areas currently without any access to support hubs – from Warrington and Leeds to Reading and Somerset.

Sure Start revolutionised family and community services, with research showing that children who lived within a short distance of a Sure Start centre for their first five years were 0.9 percentage points more likely to achieve five good GCSEs at grades age 16. 

Plans launched today will draw on lessons learned from the legacy programme, as well as build on infrastructure from the current Family Hubs and Start for Life programme.

It complements work already underway to make family life easier and alleviate the burden on parents, including by expanding government-funded childcare to 30-hours, increasing the reach of school-based nurseries, and rolling out free breakfast clubs in every primary school to support working parents.

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said: “It’s the driving mission of this government to break the link between a child’s background and what they go on to achieve – our new Best Start Family Hubs will put the first building blocks of better life chances in place for more children.

“I saw firsthand how initiatives like Sure Start helped level the playing field in my own community, transforming the lives of children by putting in place family support in the earliest years of life, and as part of our Plan for Change, we’re building on its legacy for the next generation of children.

“Making sure hard-working parents are able to benefit from more early help is a promise made, and promise kept – delivering a lifeline of consistent support across the nation, ensuring health, social care and education work in unison to ensure all children get the very best start in life.”

Hubs will also act as a ‘front door’ to local family help workers for vulnerable families – providing a single point of entry to join-up universal services and children’s social care, ensuring early help before issues escalate. 

This forms a key plank of the government’s direction setting ‘Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life’ strategy to be published tomorrow, making sure parents don’t have to battle complex systems to access basic parenting, health and family services.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “Every child – no matter their background – deserves the best start in life. I know what it’s like to grow up in a family where work is low-paid and insecure, and I know the power of a good support network.

“That’s why, as part of our Plan for Change, rolling out these Best Start Family Hubs are so vital – one stop shops offering parents not only crucial connections with other families but also the health, education and wellbeing support they need.

“By bringing together early support services and investing £500 million in children’s development, we’re taking preventative action that will improve lives and reduce pressure on the NHS – a key part of our 10 Year Health Plan.”

Best Start Family Hubs will help families with services like:

  • Activities for children aged 0-5
  • Birth registration
  • Debt and welfare advice
  • Domestic abuse support
  • Early language support
  • Health Visiting
  • Housing support
  • Infant Feeding Support
  • Mental health services
  • Midwifery/maternity services
  • Nutrition and weight management
  • Oral health improvement
  • Parenting Support
  • Reducing Parental Conflict
  • SEND support and services
  • Stop smoking support
  • Substance (alcohol/drug) misuse support
  • Support for separating and separated parents
  • Youth services

To further streamline the path to support, a new Best Start digital service will also be launched to enable parents to access evidence-based guidance within seconds.

The digital platform will provide advice on a range of topics and connect parents to their local Best Start Family Hub, as well as link to the NHS App – making sure these services are at the centre of every community, whether on- or off-line.

Anna Feuchtwang, CEO, National Children’s Bureau said: “The Prime Minister’s Plan for Change set out his ambition to improve outcomes in early childhood. Now the government has put its money where its mouth is and committed to rolling out Best Start Family Hubs in every local authority.

“With indications of a funding boost for babies and young children already included in the 10 Year Health plan, I am delighted to see children and families being given clear priority in government spending decisions. We hope to see a similar priority being given to the early years workforce in the Best Start in Life Strategy published tomorrow.”

It comes as the government has already confirmed it will launch a new data tool for schools to assess whether there is more they can do in reception year to get children ready for year 1, and that every council will be expected to play its part with an individual statutory target for school readiness in their area.

The Hubs will be open to all, making a particular difference to the most vulnerable families and helping tackle the stain of child poverty ahead of the ambitious strategy due to be launched by the government’s Child Poverty Taskforce.

‘Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life’ also outlines the key role local authorities will play to drive improvements in the number of children achieving a good level of development by 5 years old.

England’s local authorities will build on their existing work with families, young children and babies, to develop ambitious local plans for meeting their 2028 target.

Social housing residents benefit from £140K funding

Targeted funding to tackle poverty and improve lives for residents and families across Scotland

TOTAL funding equating to £140,000 has played a vital role in improving the lives of hundreds of Wheatley Homes tenants thanks to a leading community benefit fund.

Enabling many to secure vital household essentials, the money has provided much needed digital equipment, reading books for children, furniture and white goods for homes in various parts of Scotland.

Awarded over a period of eight years by the Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA) through its Community Benefit Fund (CBF), these funds have also enabled Wheatley Foundation, part of Wheatley Group, to roll out key initiatives supporting families and individuals in need.

This includes access to essential items such as furniture and white goods, as well as refurbished digital equipment donated by Wheatley employees.

The wide-reaching fund draws from various sources, including £80,000 from SPA’s Community Benefit Fund and a £60,000 contribution from the LHC Procurement Group to improve the living conditions for vulnerable households across Wheatley over a period of two years.

Foundation Manager Laura Crumlish, Councillor Abdul Bostani, student Wazhma Shafaq and Group Director of Communities Laura Pluck are pictured as Afghan medical students are provided with iPads as part of a partnership project at 1455 Maryhill Road, on September 11, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

Laura Crumlish, Foundation Manager at Wheatley Foundation, said: “Funding for Home Comforts will allow us to provide a lifeline for people who are struggling to access basic home essentials – items many of us take for granted.

“The funding is supporting programmes which continue to change lives for the better and give people in Wheatley communities an opportunity to reach their full potential.”

The Home Comforts project provides upcycled furniture and white goods, all cleaned, refurbished, and offered free of charge to Wheatley tenants. Wheatley Homes East has partnered with Four Square, a local Edinburgh charity, to deliver the initiative.

Four Square supports people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness by offering accommodation, advice, and training opportunities. The charity also runs the Edinburgh Furniture Initiative, which plays a key role in the project.

Through this partnership, customers are offered a unique, retail-style experience where they can choose refurbished furniture and homeware that suits their personal taste and needs. Changing Lives, an employability programme provides training and support to vulnerable and unemployed tenants.

Another is Environmental Roots, a four-week pre-employability programme designed to help young people build confidence and prepare for future opportunities, including the Wheatley Environmental Apprenticeship.

A further project is, StreetWyze, an initiative for young people to raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime and gang violence.

The 12-week programmes delivered throughout the year focused on themes including social media, territorialism and provided alternative activities to risk taking behaviours.

Laura added: “This tailored approach will ensure that people in different communities can benefit in ways that are right for them – whether that’s choosing their own furniture or receiving a ready-made pack when moving into a new home.”

The initiative goes beyond furniture, with the Community Benefit Fund also supporting a range of programmes that deliver lasting impact across Wheatley communities.

This includes Wheatley Foundation’s partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library – a monthly book gifting scheme, which provides free books to children under five.

It helps to spark a love of reading and support early learning in homes across Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Dumfries and Galloway.

In addition, the fund is also supporting Wheatley’s Techshare programme, which refurbishes and upcycles used laptops and iPads.

These devices are distributed to individuals and families, along with access to software and digital skills training, to help bridge the digital divide and boost employability opportunities.

Lesley Peaty, Regional Director at the Scottish Procurement Alliance, said: “This is a fantastic example of how social value is at the heart of procurement. We’re committed to ensuring that every pound we invest benefits people in real and lasting ways.

“Our work with Wheatley Group highlights how collaboration and thoughtful investment can directly uplift families and strengthen communities.”

The Scottish Procurement Alliance’s Community Benefit Fund is a cornerstone of its wider mission to channel procurement savings into meaningful projects, supporting housing providers and regenerating communities across Scotland.

To learn more about SPA, please visit: https://www.scottishprocurement.scot/

To learn more about the Wheatley Foundation, please visit: https://www.wheatley-group.com/better-lives

Police Scotland safeguards vulnerable people during intensification week targeting County Lines drug dealers

Proactive action by Police Scotland saw officers safeguard a number of vulnerable people who are exploited by drug dealers, during a national County Lines intensification week.

County Lines drug dealers from larger cities expand their criminal activity into smaller communities to exploit young and vulnerable people to sell drugs, carry cash and weapons – bringing violence, coercion and abuse. They can also take over a vulnerable person’s house – known as cuckooing.

The UK-wide initiative – co-ordinated by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) – took place between Monday, 23 and Monday, 30 June 2025.

During the intensification week, officers across Scotland safeguarded over 100 vulnerable people and engaged with almost 2800 more. They also visited more than 40 addresses believed to be used by drug dealers as a cuckooing house.

Illegal drugs, cash and offensive weapons were also recovered.

Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston said: “Protecting vulnerable people in our communities, particularly children and young people who are all too often coerced, groomed and threatened by County Lines drug dealers remains a priority for Police Scotland officers.

“We work tirelessly in partnership with a wide range of organisations, including the members of Scotland’s Serious Organised Crime Taskforce, to target individuals who snare them and force them to carry out crimes on their behalf.”

Throughout the intensification week 42 people – 34 men, seven women and one male youth – were arrested and 15 evidential search and apprehension warrants were executed.

More than 300 cannabis plants with a value of value of £280,000 were recovered.

Other illegal drugs, including £67,000 of herbal cannabis, more than £2,100 of cannabis resin, cocaine and crack cocaine with a street value of more than £85,000 and heroin worth around £45,000 were also seized.

Offensive weapons, including knives, an axe and a machete, were discovered during the activity by officers.

ACC Houston continued: “The positive results during the intensification week are an example of our continuing work in support of national initiatives aimed at frustrating and disrupting the activities of those who involved in County Lines drugs dealing.

“Organised criminals don’t care about anyone other than themselves, they only care about power and money.

“They travel to exploit vulnerable people in our communities and their criminality is simply not welcome in Scotland and will not be tolerated.”

Justice Secretary, and Chair of Scotland’s Serious Organised Crime Taskforce, Angela Constance said: “I welcome Police Scotland’s positive outcomes from the county lines intensification week, which has safeguarded a number of individuals. It is despicable that organised criminals seek to benefit by exploiting young and vulnerable people.

“Partners on Scotland’s Serious Organised Crime Taskforce are fully committed to using all means at their disposal to identify and support those at risk, and to ensure the criminals involved are brought to justice.”

Anyone who has concerns about County Lines or information about who may be involved in this insidious criminal activity should get in touch with Police Scotland or anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Tails wagging as new dog park rolls into Edinburgh

Doggy adventure park with a difference set to open its gates

A NEW premium dog park is set to open on the western edge of Edinburgh, offering a rural-feel escape just minutes from the city centre.

Located near the Highland Showground just off the A8 at Gogarburn, the brand new dog park will be the latest venture by award-winning operator Unleash The Dogs, marking its first foray into the capital.

Opening today – Saturday 5th July, final touches are being added in the coming days and bookings are expected to ramp up quickly.

The park forms the first phase of a two-site expansion into Edinburgh, with a second destination set to open near Fort Kinnaird later this summer.

Hailing from a farming background, Craig Gammage and his partner Lauren are on a mission to create the very best places for dogs to visit in Scotland, with seven Unleash The Dogs parks already established across Glasgow.

Boasting equipment and obstacles for canines of all sizes and breeds, the enclosed fields feature doggy friendly sensory gardens, as well as shelters for owners to socialise and escape the Scottish elements.

Craig, 34, said: “This is a huge step for us. Edinburgh has a completely different layout to Glasgow, so we’ve worked hard to find a spot that balances that rural escapism our parks are known for, while staying easily accessible.

“The West Edinburgh field is only about a 15-minute drive from the city centre, yet it is a proper rural escape.  

“We wanted to create something truly special here, not just another enclosed space but a destination for dogs and their owners.”

The site is part of a wider rollout from the much-loved brand, which has built a loyal following across Glasgow thanks to its commitment to providing top-tier dog exercise spaces. Each site is designed to Unleash The Dogs’ exacting standards, offering a secure, safe and stimulating environment.

Owners and professional dog-walkers can book their slot for up to eight dogs at a time online, guaranteeing complete private access to the site.

The sites also benefit from regular staffing to ensure the grounds are immaculately maintained, ensuring a safe and clean experience for all visitors.

Craig added: “Our parks are run like five-star resorts. We have regular staff visits, bespoke features, and we never cut corners.

“It’s about keeping standards sky high and creating places that owners are proud to bring their dogs to.

“We’ve developed a strong model in Glasgow, and the response there has been phenomenal. Edinburgh deserves the same standard – and we’re here to deliver it.”

With its premium finish and proximity to the city, the new park is set to become a favourite for dog lovers across the capital.

With the next Edinburgh site in the East already in the works, Unleash The Dogs looks set to make its mark on both ends of the city.

For more information about Unleash the Dogs, the sites and how to book your slot visit www.unleashthedogs.co.uk

Mother and daughter duo crowned Edinburgh’s ultimate Stitch fans

A Disney-loving mum and her one-year-old daughter have been crowned Edinburgh’s biggest Stitch fans after winning a competition hosted by Fort Kinnaird to celebrate the release of the new Lilo & Stitch live-action film.

Yasmin and baby Rosie enjoyed a visit to the centre where they were treated to a VIP screening of the movie at ODEON. Their prize also included a Stitch-themed gift bundle worth over £150, featuring items from retailers including Primark, Smyths Toys, and The Works.

Fort Kinnaird received more than 60 entries for the competition, but Yasmin and Rosie’s heartfelt story stood out. Yasmin shared how the original film brought her joy as a child and now plays a special role in her life again as she watches it with her daughter.

The pair’s impressive collection of Stitch memorabilia – including items Yasmin has treasured for over two decades and baby clothes Rosie has worn since birth – helped cement their status as true superfans.

Yasmin said: “It’s been such a lovely experience to share the new Lilo & Stitch film with Rosie, who might just be the youngest Stitch fan yet!

I’ve loved Stitch since 2002, and now getting to enjoy it with my daughter is so much fun. Huge thanks to Fort Kinnaird for making it such a memorable day.”

Liam Smith, Centre Director at Fort Kinnaird, added: “It’s fantastic to see so many people get involved in our competition – and shows just how loved Stitch is.

“Yasmin’s entry really stood out for its creativity and heartfelt passion. We’re so pleased to crown her and baby Rosie our biggest Stitch fan and hope she enjoys her well-deserved prize!”

To plan your visit to Fort Kinnaird, please visit https://www.fortkinnaird.com/

MPs to investigate children’s TV and video content

A new inquiry will explore the provision of children’s TV and video content in the UK and what can be done to ensure future generations continue to have access to high-quality British-made programming. 

Research from Ofcom shows a structural shift in the viewing habits of young people, with television viewing by children dropping and YouTube now the most used app or site by children of all ages, with 88% of 3 to 17-year-olds using it last year.

The changing ways in which audience consume TV and video, has made it more challenging for public service broadcasters to make original TV content for children and for it to be found. This has a knock-on effect for those in our creative industries who want to make quality UK TV and video for children.  

The Culture, Media and Sport Committee inquiry will therefore examine how to ensure those making original high-quality content can continue and how it can be made easier to find it online. 

It will also explore issues relating to parental control of online content, the potential positive and negative effects of how children watch TV and video content on their health and development, and wider issues relating to the sector’s contribution to the economy and its importance to the UK’s cultural identity. 

Chair of the CMS Committee, Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, said: “Children’s viewing habits have come a long way, but whether they watch through a smart TV or a tablet, there is still demand for good quality TV and video for children.

“We all want young people to have access to a range of programming, so in addition to cartoons, they also see drama and factual programmes. We want them to be able to be educated and inspired, as well as entertained. 

“Changes to the media landscape, particularly the shift in viewing to YouTube, pose huge challenges for the future of children’s programming and the continued production of original content by our public service broadcasters.

“We want to know what prominence means for programmes made for children in the future world of smart TVs, streaming, video sharing platforms and endless choice.   

“We have a proud history of high-quality children’s television in the UK. Our inquiry will be showcasing the contribution the sector makes to both our culture and economy and how we can best ensure that content designed for children in all its forms continues to both educate and entertain.”

Terms of reference 

The Committee is inviting written submissions in response to the following questions: 

Children’s TV and video content in the UK 

  1. Who is commissioning and making original, high-quality, TV and video content for children and young audiences in the UK?
    1.  How can they be best supported to continue to make more?
  2. How does the range of content and genres for children vary between that provided by public service media, subscription channels, and both short- and long-form video sharing platforms?
    1. Which audiences, by age or other characteristic, are currently being underserved?
    2.  How can we increase the amount of news and factual programming made for children on TV and online?

Finding children’s TV and video content online 

  1. How can it be made easier to find original, high-quality, TV and video content for children online?
    •  How can the attribution of public service children’s content on video sharing platforms be improved?
  2. How effective are the tools available for parents to control what children are watching on public service media, subscription channels, video sharing platforms? 

Health and child development 

  1. What evidence is there that the TV and video content that children watch, and how they watch it, can contribute:
    • Positively to their health, learning and development?
    •  Negatively to their health, learning and development?

Wider benefits of children’s TV 

  1. How does children’s TV made in the UK contribute to:
    • The UK’s culture and identity?
    • Our cultural and economic exports?

BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K-Pop documentary heading to Vue venues in Edinburgh

BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K-Pop documentary heading to Vue venues in Edinburgh

It’s been a big week for BTS fans around the globe, as the K-Pop sensation announced they will return next spring with a new studio album (their first since 2020’s Be) and an accompanying world tour.

For those itching for new content from the band, arriving somewhat sooner than the reunion is BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom.

Screening at Vue venues in Edinburgh from Wednesday 30 July to Sunday 3 August, tickets for the screenings are on sale now. Not only that, fans will also be able to buy limited edition merch for the film – a themed reusable drinks cup and popcorn tin.

The film travels the globe, showcasing fans at a BTS-focused ReactorCon in Lewisville, Texas; a dance instructor in Seoul who only teaches BTS choreography; and fans who’ve been organising since 2013 to help BTS dominate the charts.

Defying stereotypes of the typical K-Pop fan, BTS Army: Forever We Are Young explores the intergenerational, culturally savvy, and socially active world of the band’s fans.

Robert Smith, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “Without fail, our BTS screenings have captured the hearts of audiences, with thousands of fans up and down the country coming to Vue to celebrate the K-Pop mega-band.

“This documentary will spin the camera, focusing on the amazing fan base that has made BTS the global sensation they are today – we can’t wait to share it with our customers.”

To book tickets, visit www.myvue.com.

Calling all potential Hyrox athletes: – July taster sessions at Meadowbank

Are you Hyrox curious? Wondering what all the hype is about? Now’s your chance to find out.  Edinburgh Leisure is inviting fitness enthusiasts and beginners alike to experience the buzz of Hyrox with two exclusive taster sessions this July.

Taking place on Wednesday 16th and 23rd July at 8:00 am at Meadowbank Sports Centre, these one-off sessions are designed to introduce newcomers to the world of Hyrox in a fun, supportive, and beginner-friendly environment. Tickets are just £5 per person, with only 16 spots available per session – so early booking is essential.

No experience? No problem. These sessions will cover the basics, offering a hands-on introduction to the unique hybrid fitness format that’s taken the world by storm.

Edinburgh Leisure made waves in the fitness scene last September with the launch of their hybrid gym and official Hyrox Affiliate Training Club at Meadowbank – the first of its kind from a leisure trust in the UK. Since then, they’ve been at the forefront of the hybrid training movement, offering classes for both beginners and seasoned Hyroxers.

Take the first step towards transforming your fitness journey. Become a member of Edinburgh Leisure’s hybrid gym and take advantage of their exclusive HYROX training programmes with no-joining fee if you sign up on the day. Existing Edinburgh Leisure members can join Evolve hybrid gym as an add-on to their existing membership.

Don’t miss your chance to get a taste of Hyrox – book your spot today and see what the hype is all about.

To book, click here.

Standing Up For Our Community

BYSTANDER INTERVENTION WORKSHOP IN LEITH

The increase in racial/hate motivated harassment and aggression in the last few years has made it clear that we need to get better at standing up for each other.

Join us Tuesday, July 8, at St James Church (11A John’s Pl, EH6 7EL) for a co-led workshop where we will share our experiences and knowledge to build and practice the skills needed to counter racist, sexist, transphobic and ableist harassment and violence in public spaces.

Hosted by Zionism Free Leith

https://www.instagram.com/zfleith/?hl=en