West Sussex’s county-run Best Start Family Hubs are being used by substantially more local families, according to recent council figures that underline growing demand for free early-years support across the county.
Sharp increases in attendance in several areas
The hubs — which offer practical advice, play sessions and help for parents and carers from pregnancy through to a child’s teenage years — have seen notable rises in engagement. Attendance at hubs in Adur and Worthing more than doubled in early 2026, while Crawley recorded a 195% increase compared with the previous year.
“Our Best Start Family Hubs are helping more families than ever to access the support, advice and services available to them during the early years of their child's life,” said Sam Raby, West Sussex County Council’s cabinet member for children, young people and learning.
Hubs provide community-based services for families from pregnancy up to 19 years, and up to 25 years for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). They are intended to be a first port of call for issues ranging from baby development and feeding to parenting support and signposting to specialist help.
What the 2025 outreach figures show
| Service area | People supported (2025) |
|---|---|
| Children under five (outreach) | 8,700+ |
| Older children | 2,500 |
| Adults supported via community visits | Nearly 10,000 |
Parents who use the hubs described them as a practical and welcoming resource. Services highlighted by families include sensory play sessions and child development activities designed to support early learning and parental confidence.
Where to find help and what to expect
The hubs operate across multiple community venues and offer drop-in sessions as well as targeted outreach visits. Typical support includes:
- Advice from health and early years specialists
- Play and development sessions for babies and toddlers
- Support for parents of children with SEND
- Signposting to additional services such as family support and mental health help
Further information about locations, opening times and the full range of services is available via the West Sussex County Council website. Families seeking immediate support should check local hub timetables before attending to confirm sessions and any eligibility details.
The recent increases in attendance suggest rising awareness of the hubs’ offer and an expanding role for local council-led early years support in the county’s family services landscape.
