Have your say on Suffolk's Best Start Family Hub network

Suffolk County Council is seeking feedback on proposals for the Best Start Family Hub service across Suffolk.

The proposed changes aim to ensure that our new Best Start Family Hub network makes it easier for families to access support while making the best use of available resources and council buildings.

Why are changes proposed?

We are proposing changes to create a more accessible and sustainable Best Start Family Hub network that improves access to information, support and services for Suffolk families. These changes support Suffolk's delivery of the national Best Start Family Hubs and Start for Life programmes, which all local authorities are required to implement to strengthen support for babies, young children and their families.

The proposals would move from providing services in set locations to being more local and community-based, making greater use of venues, such as libraries and other local venues and deliver support closer to where families live. This approach aims to improve access to services, make better use of public resources, and ensure more investment is focused on supporting children and families.

How will families benefit?

The proposed approach will:

  • Increase flexibility in how and where support is delivered.
  • Make better use of community venues and local partnerships.
  • Strengthen connections between services and organisations supporting families.
  • Focus resources on frontline support and evidence-based interventions.
  • Help improve outcomes for children, including school readiness, health, wellbeing and family resilience.

Have your say

Feedback received through the consultation will be reviewed and considered before any final decisions are taken. Suffolk County Council is committed to understanding the views of families, communities, staff, partners and stakeholders before determining the final approach.

The consultation will run for 8 weeks from 23 October 2026 to 20 December 2026.

We recommend reading the supporting documents before completing the survey.

Complete the online survey

We have also created an easy read version of the survey if you would prefer to complete the consultation this way. Paper copies of the survey will be available in current Family Hub venues and Libraries across Suffolk.

Contacting us

If you require a paper copy of these documents or help in completing the consultation, please contact us in one of the following ways:

Email: BestStartFamilyHubs@suffolk.gov.uk

Phone: 0345 603 1842