Cumberland's first family hub opens on harbour in Whitehaven

The 'Family Hub on the Harbour' officially opened on Thursday, April 11, with over 200 families in attendance. 

Stallholders welcome visitors (Image: Cumberland Council)

The building has undergone a complete refurbishment by Cumberland Council, bringing a vacant building back into use and creating a welcoming space for families.  

Local families, including Kay Pitchford, who is one of the Family Hub’s Parent and Carer Champions, had the honour of officially opening the Hub and cutting the ribbon.

Bee Unique at the event (Image: Zoopla)

Councillor Emma Williamson, executive member for Children’s and Family Wellbeing and Housing at Cumberland Council said: “I am thrilled that Whitehaven’s Family Hub is now open and am excited by the positive difference it will make to families in the area.  It’s a fantastic space – welcoming, and inclusive and I’m pleased so many people had the opportunity to share in the official opening.

“The Hub on the Harbour will be a fantastic asset for Whitehaven.  We are ambitious for our communities and are determined that our first Family Hub will make a lasting positive impact on the lives of families in Whitehaven.”

Children have fun on the opening day (Image: Cumberland Council)

“Accessing information and support should always be easy and straightforward. Our Family Hub will provide a friendly, community-based place for activities, advice and support all under one roof, putting relationships at the heart of family support.”

Children getting their faces painted (Image: Newsquest)

Free activities included face painting from Bethany Gray; trampolines and glitter tattoos from Bee Unique; magic and puppet shows and balloon modelling from Dave and Dan from BJ Entertainment; plus, other activities, including games, dancing and music. 

Martin Birch, director of Children and Family Wellbeing at Cumberland Council said: “I’m absolutely delighted to welcome so many families into the Hub for our official opening. 

Activities are held outside (Image: Cumberland Council)

“This is just the start – today has also been about sharing what the Family Hub will offer the local community in the coming weeks and months."A look at the Family Hub (Image: Cumberland Council)

Megan, who is one of the Family Hub on the Harbour’s parent/carer champions from the local community, added: “The Family Hub will have a positive impact on local families. Everyone will be welcomed and there will be a range of different services available with lots of support on offer in one place.

"These services will all be working together, and this will hugely benefit families.”