Fife families set to benefit as doors to new support hub are formally opened
The doors to a new support hub have opened in a Fife town.
Families will benefit from the St Andrews Family Support Hub in Lochgelly.
Based in the former St Andrews Church, it provides a dedicated base for services that support children, young people and families who need assistance from Fife Council's children and families teams and other agencies.
The hub brings a range of services together in one location, making it easier for families to access help and advice while improving coordination between services.
By working in a shared environment, teams can provide early intervention, targeted support and practical assistance that responds to the individual needs of children, young people and their families.
While the building is not intended to operate as a general community centre, it will be home to a range of social work, education, family support and third-sector services working directly with children, young people and families in the Cowdenbeath area and across Fife.
Local families who need support, advice or guidance can access help on a drop-in basis during weekdays through the Cowdenbeath area early help and support team, with duty workers available each day and no appointment required.
The Hub will also support services that benefit children, young people and families, including the Connections Programme, which helps brothers and sisters separated through care maintain and strengthen relationships; support groups for foster and kinship carers; and the Fife House Project, which helps care-experienced young people move into their first homes.
James Ross, head of service for children and families and justice, said: "The St Andrews Family Support Hub represents a significant investment in how we work together to support children, young people and families who would benefit from additional assistance.
"By bringing services together in one place, we can provide earlier help, improve coordination between teams and ensure families receive the right support at the right time.
"The hub will provide a dedicated space and resources for teams working with families facing challenges or crisis, helping more children and young people remain connected to their families and communities while accessing the support they need."
The opening does not affect the availability of wider community activities and services in Lochgelly and the surrounding area. A range of activities, programmes and facilities continue to be available through local venues, including the Lochgelly Centre and other community facilities.
Sarah Roxburgh, community manager, said: "Work to explore the potential refurbishment of Lochgelly Town Hall is continuing.
"There are also a number of community venues and activities available across the area, and we can help connect people with the facilities and services most appropriate to their needs."
The new hub marks an important step in strengthening partnership working across Fife and creating a more joined-up approach to supporting families, while ensuring community facilities and activities continue to be available locally.”