Labour- run Westminster City Council has opened a brand new Stay and Play Children’s Centre in Bayswater, a key Labour manifesto pledge under the Fairer Westminster agenda.

The much- needed new facility on Shrewsbury Road in Bayswater, W2 offers Stay and Play groups that will help families meet new people and make friends in a relaxed atmosphere. The sessions will enable children to learn, play and sing, contributing  to their overall health and wellbeing, as well as preparing older children to start school.

Labour’s Councillor Tim Roca, Cabinet Member for Young People, Learning & Leisure, said:

“The Labour administration is committed to building a Fairer Westminster and ensuring families can access the services they need right on their dooorstep.”

“This facility will provide parents and guardians with valuable advice and support across a range of issues, and help their children get the absolute best start in life.”

Family Hubs can improve children’s wellbeing, educational attainment and life chances, reduce family poverty, improve mental health and lead to lower crime, unemployment and other negative outcomes. The services on offer include parenting courses, family therapy clinics, baby groups, support for special educational needs and disability, as well as advice on housing, debt and benefits.

The new service is part of the Queen’s Park Family Hub and will be run by the Queens Park Federation. The city-wide family Hubs Network provides support for around 4,800 families each year at locations in Pimlico, Church Street, and Queen’s Park. The network was pioneered by Westminster City Council and brings together multiple partners including family navigators, the NHS, and volunteer organisations. The structure is being replicated across the UK.