Family is the bedrock of society. It should provide the nurturing environment in which children grow, develop values, and acquire the skills they need to become responsible adults.
The sad fact is that for too long, political parties have not placed enough value on family life and the role of the family unit, the preservation and support of which are essential not just for individuals but for the flourishing of society as a whole.
We Brits have traditionally celebrated the importance of family, reinforcing the principles of duty, community, and continuity.
Traditions such as Christmas gatherings, Sunday lunches, family vacations, and even community celebrations like the Coronation—root us in shared values and history. They connect generations, instil a sense of belonging, and remind us of our shared responsibilities.
But for decades, governments have placed greater emphasis on economic success, than on prioritising the well-being of children and upholding traditional family principles.
This is short-sighted as policies which support family life – particularly vulnerable families – are a social imperative as well as an economic necessity.
A society that invests in strong, stable families saves untold economic and human costs in the long term.
Broken homes, inadequate support for parents, and neglected children often result in higher rates of crime, poorer educational outcomes, and increased reliance on welfare benefits.
Conversely, when families are well-supported, children thrive, communities prosper, and society becomes more resilient. It is the responsibility of parents to raise their children with love, discipline, and a strong moral compass.
However, we know that some families, more often – but not exclusively – in disadvantaged communities, need support to fulfil their responsibilities. This is where properly funded Family Hubs are indispensable.
Family Hubs are community-based centres which act as a ‘one stop shop’ for families, providing support and a range of services under one roof.
They are a lifeline for many families, providing essential resources such as parenting classes, mental health support, and early years education.
For struggling families, they can be a place to find guidance, community, and hope. In disadvantaged communities, where challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and housing instability are more prevalent, the role of these hubs is vital.
The Start for Life offer, a policy driven by Dame Andrea Leadsom and introduced under the Conservative government, aimed at improving early years services by providing vital support to families during the first critical years of a child’s life.
Delivered through Family Hubs, Start for Life ensures that every child has access to the best possible start in life.
Early years investment pays dividends by reducing the need for costly interventions later. It helps equip children with the skills they need to succeed, enabling them to contribute positively to society.
LATEST MEMBERSHIP OPINION:
It should be our duty to ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, is given the opportunity to flourish.
Families do not exist in isolation, and I am reminded of the old adage “It takes a village to raise a child”.
By strengthening families, we strengthen communities. And by investing in Family Hubs, we ensure that communities have the tools they need to support families effectively.
We see far too many struggling families, and the economic and human cost of neglecting the family is unsustainable.
As a nation, we must return to the core belief that family is not just a private affair but a public good.
By getting children and families right—by supporting them, cherishing them, and investing in them—we lay the foundations for a brighter future, grounded in the timeless values that have made Britain great.