These hubs are friendly and welcoming centres where families can access a wide range of services, advice, and activities tailored to early childhood development, parenting support, health, wellbeing, and education.
The Family Hubs are spread across Bedford with permanent centres but also outreach and pop-up hubs at some community venues These ensure that families across both urban and rural parts of the borough have access to support close to home.
Each centre offers a diverse programme of sessions for babies, toddlers, and young children, as well as workshops for parents and carers. These include Play & Learn sessions, baby massage, sensory and nature-based activities, and early language groups such as ChatterBabies and ChatterTots. Many sessions focus on key developmental stages and follow evidence-based approaches like the “Five to Thrive” framework. There are also specific groups to support early communication and social skills, particularly helpful for families with children showing signs of developmental delays.
Permanent Family Hubs / Children’s Centres
Pop‑up / Outreach Locations
Sessions, Workshops & Activities
A variety of sessions and programmes are offered, many of which are free or low cost. Some can be attended on a drop-in basis, while others require booking in advance.
Early years / Pre‑school age (0‑5 years):
- Play & Learn (for babies, toddlers; often using “Five to Thrive” framework)
- “Play & Learn Cruiser” for babies who are not yet walking, includes developmental support and weighing scales.
- “Play & Learn Toddler” for mobile toddlers with activities and home‑learning support.
- Baby massage (for bonding, relaxation)
- “Tiny Explorers”, nature‑inspired or sensory exploration for infants.
Parent/carer support & workshops:
- Antenatal classes (“Bumps, Birth & Baby Stuff”) to support expectant parents.
- Triple P‑type courses (e.g. “Preparing for Baby”) and short workshops to help with parenting, behaviour, feeding, sleep, mealtimes etc.
- “Potty Training” workshops.
- Speech & language support groups (e.g. “ChatterBabies”, “ChatterTots”) to help with early communication.
Wellbeing, inclusion, and SEND:
- Breastfeeding support & social groups.
- Quiet sessions / support groups for children with SEND.
- Wellbeing groups for new mums, mums‑to‑be, emotional health support.
Other / family‑friendly sessions:
- Dad / family groups (weekend or special sessions) to allow fathers, grandparents etc. to participate.
- Nature & wellbeing sessions, “Good Life Garden” activities.
- Story / music / singing / arts & crafts sessions, parent & child interactive events.
The Family Hubs work closely with health professionals, early years specialists, and other local services to ensure coordinated care. Whether families need help navigating parenthood, accessing health advice, or finding inclusive activities for their children, Bedford Borough Family Hubs provide a safe, supportive environment that helps children and families thrive from the earliest days onward.
