Norden Family Hub reopens with £115,000 upgrade to better support SEND families

Tuesday, 22 July 2025 12:48

By David Murphy

Councillor Rachel Massey (centre) visits Norden Family Hub

A major investment has transformed Norden Family Hub in Rochdale into a more accessible and inclusive space for families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The £115,000 refurbishment, funded by the Department for Education’s Family Hubs capital programme, includes a new sensory room equipped with a ceiling hoist, and a large, multi-purpose room fitted with an interactive projector and second hoist. These additions aim to cater for a wider range of inclusive activities and physical access needs.

Modernised bathroom facilities now feature advanced changing equipment, while a redesigned outdoor area offers interactive play elements to further support children's development and engagement.

Councillor Rachel Massey, cabinet member for children's services and education at Rochdale Borough Council, praised the project: “These new facilities look absolutely fantastic and will play such an important role in helping all our local families feel even more included in our hugely beneficial and popular family hubs offer.”

She added that the changes reflect the council’s wider commitment to ensuring all children get the best start in life, and said she expects the new additions will be “warmly welcomed by all”.

Rochdale currently operates 17 family hubs, the highest number within any Greater Manchester authority. The hubs provide wraparound support from pregnancy through to early adulthood, offering services such as parenting programmes, mental health support and SEND-specific assistance for children up to age 25.

This local investment builds on wider funding already committed to the borough’s Family Hub network. Earlier this year, Rochdale received £1.31 million under the government’s national Start for Life programme, aimed at tackling health inequalities and improving access to early years services.