A new model that will help parents and their children lead fulfilling lives has been launched in Middlesbrough.

Family Hubs will see services focused on healthy and happy early years delivered from six locations around the town, making it convenient for families to get support wherever they live.

Middlesbrough Council teams will be joined by expert staff from partners to provide support on subjects ranging from infant feeding to mental health.

Assistance on language and communication to prepare young children for school will also be on offer.

The hubs will help to give Middlesbrough’s children the best start in life and support adults during the challenging years of parenting.

Partners involved include Leo’s Perinatal Service, Family Action and North East Young Dads and Lads.

The new way of working is supported by £3m of central government funding.

Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: “We’re determined to raise the life chances of everyone in the town and want to fight health inequalities wherever they exist.

“The Family Hubs will build on the excellent and committed work done by staff in our children’s centres.

“Support for children and their parents is vitally important and can make a huge difference to so many aspects of life.

“It’s fantastic that the hubs are spread around town and available to all.”

Four main hubs will operate from current children’s centres in Hemlington, Park End, Thorntree and West Middlesbrough. There will also be outreach hubs from children’s centres at Abingdon Primary School and North Ormesby.

The launch of the hubs comes as the Council’s Executive is due to commit Middlesbrough to becoming a ‘Breastfeeding borough’ and also sign a healthy weight declaration.

Deputy Mayor Philippa Storey said: “We want to do all we can to support families live the healthiest and happiest lives they can.

“We face specific challenges in Middlesbrough and these new commitments alongside the introduction of the Family Hubs model can work in tandem to improve outcomes for the most disadvantaged.”