Wakefield Family and Youth Hubs Receive Significant Upgrades for Community Engagement

Exciting changes are happening in Wakefield’s family and youth hubs, making them better places for children, young people, and families to enjoy. Recently, these hubs have been upgraded to offer more vibrant and welcoming environments, thanks to funding from the Best Start Family Hubs and Healthy Babies Capital Programme. These improvements aim to support learning, development, and active lifestyles for families in the district.

Upgraded Facilities for Families

The family and youth hubs across Wakefield have seen significant enhancements. These upgrades include:

• A brand-new sensory room designed for babies and young children.

• Modernised multi-use spaces that can be used for various activities.

• A fully refurbished nursery room that provides a safe and fun environment for young children.

• Plans for a new car park to make visiting the hubs more convenient.

Green metal bike storage cage with clear sky and trees

Sensory room with colorful lights and interactive panels

Sensory room with colorful lights and interactive panels

Sensory rooms at the Pomfret Family Hub in Pontefract and the Havercroft Family Hub have received particular attention. These rooms are specially designed to help babies and young children relax and explore their surroundings. They feature calming lights, interactive elements, and inclusive designs that are beneficial for families to enjoy together.

Community Benefits

Matthew Caton, the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, emphasised the importance of these upgrades:

“Making sure that facilities for our children and young people in Wakefield are as modern and welcoming as possible is a really important priority for us.”

He further explained that these improvements encourage play, exploration, and active lifestyles, while also providing a comfortable and safe environment for families to come together, socialise, and build a stronger sense of community. The family hubs are not just about improvements in physical spaces; they also offer a variety of free activities, drop-in sessions, and workshops for families. This makes them welcoming spaces for children, young people, and families to engage with each other and their community.

New Features at Specific Hubs

In addition to the sensory rooms, other hubs are receiving practical updates. For instance, the Butterflies Best Start Family Hub in Normanton is set to have a new car park, which will enhance the experience for visitors. This change is expected to make it easier for families to access the hub and participate in activities. At the Platform One Youth Hub in Hemsworth, a new bike shed has been installed. This facility allows young people to securely store their bikes and scooters while they take part in various activities or drop-in sessions. This is a great addition as it encourages active transport and makes it easier for young people to join in on the fun without worrying about their bikes.

Finding Local Hubs

Families interested in discovering more about the Best Start Family Hubs in Wakefield and their programmes can visit the website www.wakefieldfamiliestogether.co.uk. Here, they can find information about local events and activities that suit their interests and needs. The updates at these hubs reflect a commitment to enhancing community spaces where families can thrive together. With the modernised facilities and engaging programmes, children and young people have more opportunities to learn, play, and develop important social skills. As these improvements continue to unfold, families in Wakefield can look forward to enjoying these enhanced spaces and the positive impact they will have on their community.