A new family centre in Coseley has been officially opened to help support vulnerable children, young people and families in the area.

The Dudley North Family Centre, based in Bayer Street, is one of five family centres that have been established across the borough by Dudley Council with the support of partner agencies.

The centres will help families that are in need of support, to help them get back on their feet and to ultimately prevent the need for statutory social work intervention.

The new centre, formerly a children’s centre, houses a number of resources and facilities for families to use. It includes meeting rooms, healthcare facilities, confidential interview space. There is also a public facing reception open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday that can offer advice and assistance to members of the public. Councillor Angus Lees, cabinet member for children’s services, said:

"It is essential that this ‘early help’ is carried out in a co-ordinated way working with families, the council and our partners including health, the police, schools, probation and the voluntary sector.

"Over the last two years, we have been building stronger connections with our communities, developing strong networks to support families in becoming more resilient. We want our family centres located in each of our five townships to be central to our overall aim of providing targeted early help."

The centre was opened on Monday by the Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Alan Taylor and the event was attended by families in the area, together with local schools, health, social care, police and other partner agency representatives.

Families can find more about the early help offer by visiting the centre in Bayer Street, Bilston by calling 01384 813096, or by emailing fs.dudleynorth@dudley.gov.uk.