Good Faith Partnership hosted an event with Bristol City Council at Bristol City Hall on Tuesday 14 May 2024 to bring together faith leaders and those providing a range of family support services in the city.

The Faith and Family Hubs event was attended by more than 80 guests. Attendees talked about access to support services for families, connections between faith groups and family support services and explored ongoing relationships between Family Hubs and faith groups.

Family Hubs are a government initiative aimed at providing families with early help support in their communities. In the Family Hubs guidance there is a minimum responsibility for Local Authorities to work with the voluntary, community and faith sector. In Bristol, the City Council collaborated with Good Faith Partnership to organise this learning event, connecting local faith and community leaders with Children and Families professionals.

Delegates discussed what is needed to make support for families more accessible. Transport, work to eradicate shame, waiting lists and getting the word out effectively were all mentioned.

Other areas to explore in terms of giving full access include longer opening hours for services, culturally diverse teams, inclusive language, interpretation, trust, sharing food and offering a virtual as well as a physical space.

The half-day conference also discussed ways of strengthening partnerships and collaboration between the council and the voluntary, community and faith sector across the city.

There was a buzz in the room as people shared their goals of supporting families, met friends and colleagues, and made new connections. As one delegate put it: “We want families to feel treasured.”

Delegates heard from Jerome Cross who helps run Dads Matter, a support group for new fathers in Bristol, as an example of collaboration with the voluntary, community and faith sector. Family Hubs Navigators Samantha Jones and Sarah Crossley explained the support that Family Hubs provide, while Sarah Clarke of Sirona talked about the importance of supporting perinatal and infant mental health.

With thanks to Emma West of Good Faith Partnership and Sara Ambrose of Bristol City Council for organising the day.