The new hub joins the existing Woodlands Family Hub in Selsdon, strengthening a growing network of local services aimed at supporting families across the borough.
Croydon families will soon have even more access to vital support services with the launch of a new family hub at the Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Centre in South Norwood. This marks a significant milestone in Croydon Council’s commitment to ensuring families receive the assistance they need in a convenient and accessible way.
The new hub joins the existing Woodlands Family Hub in Selsdon, strengthening a growing network of local services aimed at supporting families across the borough. While Woodlands primarily focuses on younger children and their families, the Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Family Hub will specialise in services for older children and young adults. By working closely with schools, healthcare providers, and community organisations, the hub aims to create a seamless support system, ensuring that no family is left without the help they require.
Transforming Family Services in Croydon
The opening of Croydon’s second family hub is part of a broader effort to improve family services across the borough. Over the coming months, the Council will seek residents’ input as it transitions children’s centre services in the north and centre of Croydon back in-house. This move follows the successful model already in place in South Croydon, where children’s centres are run by the local authority to create a more integrated approach.
Families currently receiving services through children’s centres will continue to do so without any interruptions as the transition takes place. The same trusted staff and support systems will remain in place, providing continuity and reassurance. Additionally, later this year, the Council will conduct a public consultation to gather residents’ views on transforming children’s centres into family hubs.
A Long-Term Vision for Family Hubs
Family hubs in Croydon are currently funded by a central government grant until March 2026. However, the Council is working closely with community partners to develop a long-term, sustainable model to ensure these essential services remain available for years to come. A key component of the programme is the involvement of local residents through the Parent Carer Panel, which allows families to have a direct say in shaping the services that affect them.
Unlike traditional children’s centres, which primarily support families from pregnancy to age five, family hubs expand the reach of services to support children and young people from pregnancy to age 19—or up to age 25 for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This extended service range ensures that families with children of all ages can receive the support they need as they navigate different life stages.
Commitment to a Stronger Community
“We are currently transforming the services we offer to families across the borough, to deliver a more coordinated approach and to ensure that families continue to receive the support they need.”
-Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
Croydon Council sees family hubs as a long-term investment in the community, making services more accessible and user-friendly. Executive Mayor of Croydon, Jason Perry, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative:
“I’m really pleased to announce Croydon’s second Family Hub, giving local families easier access to the support they need, all in one place. Family hubs are all about making life easier for parents and carers by bringing services together, so families get the right help at the right time.
“We are currently transforming the services we offer to families across the borough, to deliver a more coordinated approach and to ensure that families continue to receive the support they need.
“We are committed to making Croydon’s Family Hubs a lasting part of our community, supporting children, young people, and families now and in the future.”
With the opening of the Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Family Hub, Croydon is taking another crucial step in providing families with the resources and support they need to thrive. As the programme continues to evolve, the Council remains dedicated to ensuring that every family has access to quality services that help build a brighter future for the borough.
