A family support hub serving Hersham is adding Saturday advice sessions so parents and carers can seek help without taking time away from work or school. The new hours will bring several services together in one place, including guidance on childcare, benefits, education support and family wellbeing.
One starting point for different questions
Families often need help from more than one organisation, but separate appointments can make a simple problem difficult to manage. At the weekend sessions, a coordinator will listen to the situation, identify the most relevant service and explain the next steps. Some questions may be answered immediately, while others will require a referral or follow-up appointment.
The hub will provide access to trained advisers rather than relying only on leaflets. Visitors can ask about funded childcare, school attendance, special educational needs, household budgeting and local health services. Interpreting support can be arranged in advance, and private rooms will be available for sensitive conversations.
Appointments and walk-in access
A limited number of appointments can be booked online or by telephone, but part of each Saturday will remain open for walk-in visitors. Organisers expect early sessions to be busy and are asking people with complex cases to bring relevant letters, reference numbers and identification. This can reduce delays when advisers need to check eligibility or contact another service.
Parents may attend with children. A supervised activity corner will offer books and simple crafts, although it is not intended to operate as formal childcare. The building has step-free access, accessible toilets and space for pushchairs.
Measuring what families actually need
The weekend programme will begin as a six-month trial. Staff will record the types of enquiry received, waiting times and whether families were successfully connected with support. Personal details will be handled under existing privacy rules, while anonymous trends will help shape future sessions.
If demand is strong, the hub may introduce themed Saturdays focused on school transitions, caring responsibilities or managing household costs. Local charities will also be able to host information tables when their services match the day’s subject.
The main purpose is to make early advice easier to reach. A short conversation can prevent missed deadlines, repeated forms or a problem becoming more serious. By opening at a time that suits more working families, the hub hopes to offer a practical and welcoming route into support across Hersham.
Information about opening dates, booking arrangements and available advisers will be published through schools, health centres and community noticeboards. Families can also ask a professional they already know to help make the first contact.