The county council is opening two new children and family centres in Cirencester and Stonehouse as part of plans to introduce a family hub model to Gloucestershire.

The new centres are part of an investment of £35 million in the council's network of children and family centres in communities across the county.

They will play a key role in plans to move towards a family hub model in Gloucestershire, to ensure families have access to the right support, at the right time, in the right place.

Each centre will act as a one-stop shop, offering a wide range of family support services in one location, or signposting to other services as needed.

Stroud Children and Family Centre is based at The Red Lodge in Stonehouse, and Cotswolds Children and Family Centre is on Lewis Lane in Cirencester.

The new centres will be run by Family Action, which was appointed by the council earlier this year. Family Action is a national charity that works from the heart of local communities across England and Wales. Knowing, first-hand, that early experiences of family stay with us, Family Action works closely with those they support, as well as through professional partnerships, to ensure they offer the right support at the right time.

Last week, community groups and district partners from across Stroud and the Cotswolds were invited to learn more about the plans to reshape services available to support families and see how they can get more involved. They were welcomed by Cllr Stephen Davies, cabinet member for children's safeguarding and early years at Gloucestershire County Council and Sir David Holmes CBE, chief executive of Family Action.

The event was an opportunity for local organisations who support families to:

• Understand more about the council's vision for family hubs
• Meet the Family Action team and learn more about their plans
• View the recent refurbishment and renovations that have transformed the buildings into a fresh and inviting space for children, young people and families
• Build strong relationships to strive for the best outcomes for children and families in Gloucestershire by collaborating with partners

The new centres will offer opportunities for council services to co-locate with health partners and work more closely with local community and voluntary services, making it easier for families to access support when they need it. They will be part of a wider network of physical and virtual family support points across the county.

The Aspire Foundation has also been appointed to continue service delivery in children & family centres across Cheltenham and Tewkesbury districts. Barnardos will continue to work in partnership with the council across Gloucester and Forest of Dean centres in the interim.

All of the centres will co-ordinate and facilitate family support activity locally, making it easier for families to find out about the services and support available where they live.

Cllr Stephen Davies, cabinet member for children's safeguarding and early years at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "We are committed to reducing inequalities and making sure that families receive the right support, in the right place, at the right time, to give all children the best start in life.

"It was wonderful to welcome community groups and local partners to share our exciting vision for establishing family hubs across Gloucestershire, show them the new children and family centres and give them an opportunity to meet and collaborate with Family Action. We look forward to welcoming families to the new centres in the coming weeks."

Sir David Holmes CBE, chief executive of Family Action, said: "We were delighted to have the chance to meet with local groups and organisations in the new children and family centres to discuss how we can all work together in delivering exciting, inclusive and accessible family hubs for all."

Family Action has been supporting people through change, challenge and crisis for over 150 years.