Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director of Community and Children’s Services.

The Committee received a report of the Executive Director of Community and Children’s Services, concerning an update on the Families in the City programme.

A Member questioned whether the location of the Best Start Family Hub had yet been identified. Officers confirmed that they had a preferred location to develop as a family hub site, which was the Artisan Street Library. Satellite delivery sites across the City of London would continue to be used to accommodate activities.

It was raised that other methods of communications should be used for families providing information on the programme, other than WhatsApp messages, including receiving a physical information pack. The Committee heard that physical signs were used to signpost activities, information circulated via Members and newsletters, and flyers handed out in estates but were happy to receive feedback on ways to improve. Providing information packs would have to be reviewed in light of the cost of printing and posting and whether it was an affordable option.

Families not receiving information on the programme highlighted a communications issue that linked to families not being able to access services, and this needed to be improved. A Member commented that the service needed more information for it to be useful, such as location, timings, and making the information accessible, for instance, for those who were colour blind.

Following a query, it was confirmed that traffic on the Best Start Family Hub webpage was being monitored and had seen an increase. The online offer would be reviewed, including refining the information provided and how services available would be communicated to families.

RESOLVED: - That the report be received, and its contents noted.