West Street Family Hub - we're here for you

Families in Bexley now have a dedicated space for early support and community-led services with the successful opening of the borough’s first Family Hub at West Street in Erith.

The Family Hub aims to be a one-stop shop for families, offering a variety of resources and support in a single location. This makes it easier for families to access the help they need and provides a central point for connection and support within the community. The Erith Family Hub provides support to families from pregnancy through to 18 years.

The Family Hub is built on a simple but powerful vision: to support families as early as possible, reducing the need for statutory social work intervention. Recognising that early support can prevent small challenges from escalating, the Hub provides a welcoming, safe and supportive environment where families can access the help they need.

Where to find us

Hub address:

105 West Street, Erith, DA8 1AW

Tel: 020 3045 5480

Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm

We offer:

  • Friendly, one-to-one support and guidance
  • Parenting, relationship and family advice, workshops and play sessions
  • Connections to local services – all in one place
  • Help with Health, development, Education and Wellbeing
Image of a young happy family

Services on site

Children's centres

The centres aim to improve outcomes for young children, ensuring they are happy, healthy and ready to begin school. The Centres also provide help and support to families around parenting, health and well-being and employability.

The services they provide are designed for parents and carers who may be expecting a new baby or have a child under the age of five.

Children centres practitioners are based at the Family Hub.

Find out more about the Children's Centres

Connecting Families, Act for Change

We are here to help you navigate everyday parenting struggles with confidence.

We provide 1:1 chats with a friendly counsellor.

Parenting support drop-in sessions are on a Friday from 10am to 12pm at the Family Hub.

Find out more about Community Engagement in Bexley

incredible years logo

The Incredible Years Programme

This is an evidence-based early intervention parenting programme for parents of children under 5 years of age who are having difficulties managing their child’s behaviour at home.

Weekly sessions will be held on Wednesday mornings at the Family Hub.

Please email the course facilitators at IY@bexley.gov.uk if you require further information or questions.  The programme is open to all parents and carers; however, spaces are limited.

Family Community Work Coach from DWP

You can attend a drop-in session on Fridays from 10am to 4pm where you can speak to an advisor from the Department for Work Pension about the following:

  • debt management and advice
  • benefits advice
  • job and training opportunities - this includes support with interviews, work clothes, travel costs or equipment
  • childcare costs - whether through universal credit or the local offer
  • support with child maintenance applications

Alternatively, you may contact the Family Hub and your details will be passed to the work coach or email Danny.Graham@DWP.gov.uk.

Connecting Families – free support for parents and carers

Learn how to manage conflict, improve communication and create a calmer home. The programme includes:

  • 6 online sessions you can do in your own time
  • group sessions led by trained staff
  • tips and tools to reduce stress and improve relationships
     

This programme is for parents and caregivers in all kinds of modern families - whether you’re married, partnered, separated, divorced, single, in a blended family, or co-parenting.

Find out more and register on the Act for Change website

Family Hub Directory

The Family Hub Directory provides information on local services and support available to families across Bexley.

Domestic Abuse Support
 
  • SOLACE: Solace Women’s Aid – Offers free advice and support to women and children in London to build safe and strong lives, free from male abuse and violence
     
  • National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 – A 24/7 free service for women experiencing domestic violence, their family, friends, and professionals calling on their behalf
     
  • Women and Girls Network (WGN): Women and Girls Network – A free women-only organisation supporting women and girls in London who have experienced or are at risk of gender-based violence
     
  • IKWRO – Women’s Rights Organisation: IKWRO – Supports Middle Eastern, North African (MENA), and Afghan women and girls in the UK facing “honour” based abuse, FGM, forced marriage, domestic abuse and more. Empowers them to access their rights and live free from violence
     
  • LAWA – Latin American Women’s Aid: Latin American Women’s Aid – Runs the only UK and European refuges by and for Latin American women and children. Provides holistic services for Black and minoritised women recovering from abuse
     
  • Women’s Aid: Women’s Aid – A national charity working to end domestic abuse. Offers life-saving services and builds a future where abuse is not tolerated
     
  • Respeito: Respeito – A charity supporting the Portuguese-speaking community in the UK. Focused on ending domestic abuse and promoting equality and integration
     
  • FORWARD: FORWARD – Offers one-to-one support and advice for women and girls facing domestic abuse, sexual violence, FGM, forced marriage and other harmful practices
     
  • Rights of Women: Rights of Women – Provides free, confidential legal advice on family law, domestic abuse, divorce, children, and sexual violence
     
  • London Survivors Gateway: London Survivors Gateway – A first response service for victims and survivors of rape, sexual violence, and abuse aged 13+ of all genders
     
  • Mankind Initiative: Mankind – A national organisation offering support and advice to male victims of domestic abuse
     
  • Respect – Men’s Advice Line: Men’s Advice Line – Offers emotional support, practical advice and information to male victims, concerned family and friends, and professionals
     
  • Victim Support – Safer Space+: Safer Space+ – A service for children and young people aged 5 to17 in London who have experienced domestic abuse
     
  • Youth Unity: Youth Unity – Supports vulnerable young people and adults affected by gang violence, drug abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and extremism.
Health Services
 
  • Maternity Services: Pregnancy – Bexley 0 to 19 – Early booking is essential. You can self-refer to a Community Midwife and choose your preferred care location, including Darent Valley Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Lewisham Hospital, or the Princess Royal
     
  • Bexley 0 to 19 – Children’s Public Health Service: Bexley 0 to 19 – Provides guidance and support to families and partner services through trained Health Visitors, Community Nursery Nurses, and School Nurses
     
  • Bexley Sexual Health: Bexley Sexual Health – A one-stop website for information and advice on sexual health. Includes STI prevention and testing, contraception advice, free condom services, and links to local confidential clinics
     
  • Special Care Dental Service: Special Care Dental Service – Offers specialised dental care for individuals with disabilities, medical conditions, or other special needs who may require extra support
     
  • Healthy Start: Healthy Start – Financial support to help buy milk, fruit, and vegetables for those who are at least 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4 years old
     
  • The Pier Road Project: The Pier Road Project – Provides specialist community alcohol and drug support for adults living in Bexley
     
  • Insight Bexley – Waythrough: Insight Bexley – Free, friendly, and confidential support for young people under 18 and their families in Bexley who are using or affected by drugs and alcohol
Mental Health and Wellbeing (Children)
 
  • CAMHS – Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service: CAMHS – Oxleas NHS – Provides assessment and treatment for children and young people (aged 0 to 18) in Bexley with significant concerns about behaviour or emotional wellbeing
     
  • Kooth: Kooth – Free, safe, and anonymous online mental health support for children and young people aged 10 to 25 in Bexley. Includes counselling, mood tracking, and peer support
     
  • Young Minds: Young Minds – UK charity campaigning and supporting young people with mental health challenges. Offers practical advice and resources to build resilience
     
  • Counselling Matters Bexley: Counselling Matters Bexley – Local counselling support committed to making therapy accessible to more people, particularly where cost or service gaps are barriers
     
  • The Mix (under 25): The Mix – Telephone and webchat counselling for young people under 25. Covers topics such as anxiety, grief, identity, and relationships in a confidential, short-term format
     
  • ADO Therapy and Re-engagement Services: ADO Services – Offers animal-assisted, equine, nature-based and CBT therapy to children and young people, especially those unable to attend school. Also provides re-engagement and therapy day services with AQA awards
     
  • IMAGO – Bexley Young Carers: Bexley Young Carers – Supports young carers through wellbeing activities, respite opportunities, and school engagement to ensure they feel supported and connected
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  • Bexley Moorings Project: Bexley Moorings Project – A charity supporting vulnerable young people in Bexley through volunteer-led services including mentoring, advice, and wellbeing activities
     
  • Childline: Childline – Free 24/7 support for anyone under 19. Covers a wide range of topics from bullying and identity to abuse and anxiety. Includes Deaf Zone support in BSL and anonymous message boards
     
  • Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT): CACT – Empowers communities through health, education, and youth engagement programmes including mental wellbeing initiatives for young people
     
  • Danson Youth Trust: Danson Youth Trust – Offers educational and recreational programmes in a safe, nurturing environment to help young people make confident and informed life decisions
     
  • METRO Charity: METRO – Provides inclusive youth services focused on health, diversity, and wellbeing, including LGBTQ+ support and counselling in London and the South East
     
  • YADT – Youth Action Diversity Trust: Youth Action Diversity Trust – Offers behavioural support for children and young people (ages 5 to 17), addressing issues like anger, anxiety, low confidence, and communication difficulties
Mental Health (Adults)
 
  • MIND: Mind in Bexley – Provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Offers reliable, life-changing information and support for those in need
     
  • Bexley Adult Mental Health Hub (Oxleas): Oxleas Mental Health Hub – A multidisciplinary service integrating Oxleas and MIND. Offers initial assessments and a range of brief interventions to support adults with mental health conditions
     
  • Re-Instate: Re-Instate – A local charity improving employment, wellbeing and quality of life for disadvantaged adults, including those with mental ill-health, autism and learning disabilities. Supports sustainable recovery and independence
     
  • Mindful Mums: Mindful Mums – Free wellbeing groups for pregnant women and new parents, supporting emotional and mental wellbeing throughout pregnancy and a baby's first year
     
  • MIND in Bexley Crisis Café: Bexley Crisis Café – A safe space for anyone experiencing emotional or psychological distress. Offers on-the-spot support and advice from trained mental health professionals
     
  • Counselling Matters Bexley: Counselling Matters Bexley – A group of volunteer counsellors providing affordable and accessible counselling to residents in and around Bexley
     
  • The Samaritans: Samaritans – A 24-hour listening service for anyone struggling to cope. Support is available via phone, email, letter, or in person. No judgement, no pressure—just someone to listen
     
  • Beat – Eating Disorder Support: Beat – The UK’s national eating disorder charity. Provides information, guidance and support for people affected by anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, ARFID, OSFED, and more


 

 

Bereavement Support
 
  • Winston’s Wish: Winston’s Wish – A charity supporting children, teenagers and young adults (up to age 25) after the death of someone close. Helps young people rebuild after loss and navigate grief
     
  • CRUSE Bereavement Care and Support: CRUSE – National bereavement support for all ages. Services include a helpline, in-person, telephone, group, and online support from over 4,000 trained volunteers. Tailored to what works best for you
     
  • Child Bereavement UK: Child Bereavement UK – Supports children and young people (up to age 25) who are grieving, and families facing the death of a baby or child. Free, confidential support is available online, by phone, and in-person
Employment, Homelessness and Support
 
  • Family Community Work Coach (DWP): – A Department for Work and Pensions advisor offering support with debt and benefits advice, job and training opportunities, childcare costs, child maintenance applications, and more. Contact the Family Hub or email Danny.Graham@DWP.gov.uk for support
     
  • Bexley Business & Employment (BBE): BBE – Free job search and skills support for Bexley residents. Advisors help identify your strengths, training options, and employment opportunities
     
  • Morris Mission: Morris Mission – Provides free workshops and support to families facing eviction or living in temporary accommodation. Empowers families with tools and guidance through difficult housing situations
     
  • Porchlight: Porchlight – Helps people affected by homelessness and works to tackle poverty and inequality through support and advocacy
     
  • Shelter, England: Shelter – National charity offering housing advice and support to people facing homelessness or poor housing conditions. Advocates for housing rights and access to safe, secure homes
     
  • Carers Support Bexley: Carers Support Bexley – Provides advice, information, and respite support for adult carers in Bexley and Greenwich
     
  • Community Connect – Social Prescribing: Community Connect – A free local service that connects people aged 18+ with non-clinical support, activities, and local services to improve wellbeing. Available for anyone registered with a Bexley GP
     
  • Love Bexley: Love Bexley – A family support service hosted by New Community Church. Provides practical help and emotional support to struggling families through professional referrals
     
  • Citizens Advice Bexley: Citizens Advice – Free, confidential advice on legal, financial, housing and employment rights and responsibilities for anyone living in Bexley
     
  • Slade Green Food Bank and Swap Shop: Slade Green Food Bank – Offers emergency food parcels and a local swap shop for people facing hardship
     
  • Bexley Foodbank: Bexley Foodbank – Part of the Trussell Trust network. Provides emergency food and support to people in crisis across Bexley
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
 
  • Bexley Local Offer: Bexley Local Offer – Provides information on services and support for children and young people aged 0 to 25 with SEND in Bexley
     
  • National Autistic Society – Bexley Branch (BNAS): Bexley NAS – A parent-led voluntary group offering peer support to families of children and young people on the autistic spectrum
     
  • Bexley Voice: Bexley Voice – An independent parent-led charity supporting families of children and young people with SEND living or attending school in Bexley
     
  • Bexley Snap: Bexley Snap – Offers inclusive play and leisure activities for disabled children and young people aged 1 to 25, alongside support and respite for parents and carers
     
  • Bexley IASS: Bexley IASS – A free, independent service offering information, advice and support for children and young people (0 to 25) with SEND, and their parents or carers. Covers education, health, and care rights
     
  • Early Intervention and Specialist Advice Service (EISAS / EITs): EISAS / EITs – Supports children aged 3 to18 with Special or Additional Educational Needs to thrive and progress in school through targeted intervention
     
  • Dyslexia Association of Bexley Bromley Greenwich & Lewisham (DABBGL): DABBGL – Provides support and information for dyslexic people of all ages, as well as guidance for parents, carers, teachers, and professionals
     
  • Autism Central – Bexley Hub: Autism Central – Offers peer-led support and information for families, carers and personal assistants of autistic individuals. Includes group and one-to-one sessions, workshops, and drop-ins
     
  • Bexley Mencap: Bexley Mencap – Local charity supporting adults with learning disabilities and their carers. Offers a wide range of local services, groups, and advocacy support
Education and Early Years
 
  • Schools and Education: Bexley Council – Information about applying for schools, local education services, and school policies in Bexley
     
  • School Readiness – Born Ready, School Ready, Bexley Ready: School Readiness Guide – A resource for families to help prepare children for starting school, including development milestones and parent support
     
  • Education Welfare Service: – Supports children, families, and schools with attendance issues. Also enforces legal requirements for child employment and performance. Email educationwelfare@bexley.gov.uk for queries
     
  • Bexley Libraries: Bexley Libraries – A welcoming space for reading, studying, and lifelong learning. The Home Library Service is available for residents unable to visit in person
     
  • Children’s Centres: Children’s Centres – Improve outcomes for young children through early learning, parenting support, health, and wellbeing services
     
  • Bexley Portage Service: Portage Service – Home-based education for pre-school children with additional needs or developmental delays. Supports learning through play with parent/carer involvement
     
  • Family Lives Service (National Organisation): Family Lives – Offers early years support and information for families with children aged 0 to 5 (and siblings up to 11). Help available via webchat, phone, email, and online resources
Social Care and Family Support
 
  • Family Wellbeing: Family Wellbeing – Offers early support to families to prevent issues from escalating. Keyworkers provide up to six months of personalised help and guidance
     
  • Bexley No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) Service: – Supports families subject to immigration control with no access to public funds. Includes housing workers, social workers, and a Home Office liaison. NRPF Duty number: 020 3045 3837
     
  • Act for Change: Act for Change – Weekly support sessions for parents at West Street Family Hub. Offers a safe space to talk about and get help with family conflicts
     
  • Staying Together: Staying Together Team – A crisis intervention service supporting families already involved with children’s social care to help them stay together safely
     
  • Bexley Youth Council: Bexley Youth Council – A platform for young people aged 11 to 18 to have their voices heard and influence decisions affecting them in Bexley
     
  • Bexley Youth Justice Service (YJS): Youth Justice Service – Works with the police, probation, schools and families to prevent reoffending by young people aged 10 to 17. Previously known as the Youth Offending Team (YOT)
     
  • Bexley Community Safety Partnership (BCSP): BCSP – Aims to make Bexley a safer place to live by improving residents’ quality of life through coordinated safety initiatives
     
  • Your Life, Your Choice Bexley (Adult Social Care): Your Life, Your Choice – An online platform helping adults find local services, support, and social activities. Empowers residents to manage their care and live independently
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