Inner East Belfast Family Support Hub
The Launch of the Inner East Belfast Family Support Hub took place on Wednesday 26th November at East Belfast Network Centre. The launch was attended by approximately seventy practitioners from the voluntary, community and statutory sector to hear how the Hub works in practice and how it provides an early intervention service to local families. Helen Dunn, Regional Coordinator of Family Support Hubs spoke at the event explaining the context of Hubs on a regional scale. Maggie Andrews, the Chair of East Belfast Locality Planning also presented at the event and explained how Family Support Hubs connect with the action plan of Locality Planning. Lastly, Michele Bryans, Family Support Hub coordinator gave an overview of how the Hub works in practice and how families can be referred to the Hub.
The Inner East Belfast Family Support Hub is currently made up of thirty core and associate members who sit on the Hub to discuss issues which affect local families and receive referrals form the Hub. Some of the members hosted promotional stands at the event including East Belfast Community Counselling, East Belfast Independent Advice Centre, Barnardos and NIACRO providing an opportunity for potential referrers to hear about the services available for families.
Northern Ireland Alternatives have been appointed as lead body to provide coordination of services to the Inner East Belfast Family Support Hub as well as act as a point of contact for agencies and families. The Inner East Belfast Family Support Hub has been open for referral since October 2014. Referrals can be made directly to the Family Support Hub Coordinator, Michele Bryans by Telephone: 02890456766 or Email: eastbelfast@alternativesrj.co.uk.