AHEAD of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week (Monday, 5 May to Sunday, 11 May), Thurrock Council is highlighting the vital free support available to new and expectant parents through regular sessions at Family Hubs across the borough.

Family Hubs (previously known as Children Centres) bring together in one place the free health, education and parenting support that families may need for their children aged 0-19, young people up to age 25 with SEND, and parents/carers.

All sessions offered by Thurrock's Family Hubs are free.

Among the regular sessions hosted at Family Hubs are:

• Time for you and baby too – A weekly wellbeing group offering a safe, supportive environment for parents to talk openly while bonding with their babies.
• Pre- and post-natal exercise classes – Suitable for all fitness levels, these classes help improve physical well-being, including posture, strength, and mood.
• Antenatal sessions – Prepare for labour, birth and becoming a parent through informal antenatal sessions. They offer a great opportunity to ask questions and share any worries or concerns that expectant parents may have.
• Stay and Play – Fun, stimulating activities to support children's early development while giving parents a chance to engage, learn, and share experiences.
• HENRY (Health, Exercise, and Nutrition for the Really Young) – A holistic programme supporting families to build healthy lifestyles and positive home environments, covering everything from nutrition to emotional wellbeing.

For information about the support that is available for parents and carers of children aged 0-2, visit the Family Hubs Start For Life Local Offer.

Further support for Perinatal Mental Health can be accessed through NHS NELFT, who can offer support, information and advice to all parents with children in Thurrock from the antenatal stage (pre-birth) to the age of 5 years old.

Cllr Vikki Hartstean, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, said: "It's brilliant that our Family Hubs offer such a wide range of sessions to support mums, dads, and carers at every stage of their journey into parenthood.

"Maternal mental health matters all year round, and these welcoming, inclusive spaces are here to help our residents build confidence, improve wellbeing, and feel connected with their community. I would encourage all expectant and new parents to visit their local Family Hub and take advantage of the fantastic support on offer."

Cllr Mark Hooper, Cabinet member for Health and Well-being, said: "Raising a little one is no small task, and it's normal to have doubts or worries. We're proud that our Family Hubs are able to give a helping hand to parents who may be looking for some extra reassurance or might need a little bit of extra support. 

"If you're a new or expectant parent, please do make a visit to our Family Hubs or take a look at NHS NELFT to make the most of the free support that is available. Meeting with health professionals and chatting to other parents can go a long way to looking after your own wellbeing."

Residents can find out what sessions are available at their local Family Hub by visiting: https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/family-hubs