Connecting with Families: Hub2U Outreach at Northside

23 December 2025

Over November and December, the Hub2U team had the privilege of spending time in Northside, bringing support and resources directly to families in their own community.

These sessions were all about creating a welcoming space
where families and young people could feel heard, supported
and connected.

Working together for families

We weren’t alone in this effort. Our outreach was a true team approach. We were joined by amazing partners who share our passion for helping families thrive:

Cumbria Sexual Health – confidential advice and support on a range of sexual health issues
Youth Safe – promoting safety and positive choices for young people
Citizens Advice Bureau - savings advice for young people
Rebecca Barnes, Children in Care Council (CiCC) officer - providing young people who have been, at some time in their lives, looked after the opportunity to meet, share their experiences and identify ways in which being looked after could be improved
Inspira - providing employability skills and helping local people into work

And of course, our own Sarah, Iain and Andrea from the Hub2U team, who brought their knowledge and care to every conversation.

What families and young people told us

The feedback we received was inspiring and reminded us why these sessions matter:

"How did I not know about this. This is great." (About the services on offer at the Family Hubs). This has been really good and helpful, I know now that I can go and get my CV written properly and I have information to follow-up to get a place on a free teaching assistant course. I am going to be able to tell the Job Centre that I have done this. You have helped us with things and we've told others this to help them not be scared. It will take a while for people to trust you but we are telling them that you have helped us and are just normal people."

- Feedback from a parent

“Smoking turns your lungs black.”

“I now have a good understanding of what are healthy food and drinks”.

“I have learned that the lights on the I-pad activate something in my brain that makes it hard for me to sleep”.

“Smoking has all these chemicals in?”

“Orange and chocolate milk has lots of sugar in”.

- Feedback from young people

“That was really beneficial to him as he was listening to you.” Volunteer Coordinator

“This a really good example of how this should work”, you found out the information and the need of the parents, invited us in and we met that need.” Helen Lamb Inspira

- Feedback from professionals

Why it matters

These sessions go beyond advice. They focus on building trust, reducing barriers, and reassuring families that they’re not alone.

By being present in Northside, we’ve helped create connections that make a real difference.

Looking ahead

We’re excited to keep this momentum going!

Watch this space for future outreach dates and venues, we’d love to see you there.