Hampshire opens three new Best Start Family Hubs in Alton, Andover and Gosport
Hampshire County Council will launch three new Best Start Family Hubs in Alton, Andover and Gosport by late 2024, offering integrated support for families from pregnancy through early schooling. The £2.1 million initiative builds on the Leigh Park pilot hub and aligns with a national push for early childhood intervention.
Hampshire is rolling out three new Best Start Family Hubs in Alton, Andover and Gosport, marking the next phase of a county-wide initiative to provide wraparound support for families from pregnancy through early childhood. The hubs, set to open by December, will operate as one-stop centers offering health, education and social care services tailored to local needs.
Each hub will deliver early intervention programs, including parenting workshops, infant feeding guidance and health visiting, alongside signposting to community resources. The initiative follows the March launch of a pilot hub in Leigh Park, which has already shown high engagement among families seeking support.
| Hub Location | Site | Target Opening |
|---|---|---|
| Alton | Alton Community Centre | November 2024 |
| Andover | Andover Leisure Centre | October 2024 |
| Gosport | Gosport Discovery Centre | December 2024 |
Cllr Roz Chadd, Hampshire County Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said the hubs are designed to address gaps in early support, particularly in areas with high need. "Families in Hampshire deserve accessible, joined-up services that meet them where they are," Chadd said. "These hubs will bring critical resources into local communities, reducing the pressure on schools and health services by intervening early."
📋 By The Numbers
- 93% — Children in Hampshire starting school in their first-choice primary in 2023
- 30 — Total Best Start Family Hubs and network sites planned across Hampshire
The selection of Alton, Andover and Gosport was based on community engagement, with local parents and stakeholders identifying areas where early intervention could have the greatest impact. Services will include developmental screenings for toddlers, mental health support for parents and practical advice on early learning.
💡 Pro Tip
Parents in Hampshire can pre-register interest for the hubs by contacting their local children’s centre or visiting the county council’s website—early sign-ups help ensure services are tailored to demand.
Hampshire’s Best Start Family Hubs align with a national government strategy to improve school readiness and reduce inequalities in early childhood development. The pilot in Leigh Park has already seen a 22% increase in families accessing health visiting services within the first six months.
- 📊 Hubs will prioritise families in areas with lower school readiness scores
- 🔍 Services include speech and language therapy for under-5s
- ⚠️ Limited capacity may require phased rollouts in some locations
The county council has committed to opening 30 hubs and network sites by 2026, with the next wave of locations to be announced in early 2025. Officials say the phased approach ensures each hub meets the specific needs of its community before scaling up.
Key Points
- ✅ First three hubs open in Alton, Andover and Gosport by December 2024
- ⚡ £2.1 million invested to expand early childhood support across Hampshire
- 💡 Hubs integrate health, education and social care under one roof