The Hubs have been shortlisted for at the COSLA Excellence Awards 2025, marking growing national recognition for the difference being delivered through innovative, community-based whole family support.

The impact that the Family Support Hubs are making where recently showcased to Jenni Minto MSP, Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, and Councillor Joe Fagan, Leader of South Lanarkshire Council, during a visit to the Hamilton Hub hosted by Professor Soumen Sengupta, Chief Officer for Health and Social Care.

The visit offered a powerful insight into how whole family support is making a real difference. The Minister and Council Leader met with staff and heard directly from parents and young people about the Hub’s approach - designed to respond early, build trust, and strengthen families.

Family Support Hubs provide an early intervention social work response for pregnant women, babies, children and young people up to 18 years old. Their aim is to prevent issues from escalating by offering intensive, whole-family support within and alongside communities.

Supported by funding from the Scottish Government’s Whole Family Support Programme and led by the Council’s Children Social Work Services, each Hub brings together a multi-disciplinary team to provide pregnancy support, therapeutic interventions, peer support, family group decision-making and tailored groupwork. Hubs are located in Hamilton, East Kilbride, Lanark, and Rutherglen and Cambuslang.

Speaking after the visit, Council Leader Joe Fagan said: “South Lanarkshire Council and our Community Planning Partners are committed to working with families, not just for them. The Family Support Hubs show what’s possible when we listen, innovate and build services around what communities say they need. Being shortlisted for a COSLA Excellence Award is a testament to the growing national recognition of the difference we are delivering.”

In summing up the visit, Professor Sengupta said: “Our Family Support Hubs are a shining example of what can be achieved when we work together across services and sectors with a shared commitment to improving the lives of children and families. I want to thank our staff, our partners and the families themselves for embracing this work and helping shape something truly special.”