LONDON: The integrated approach practised at the Family Hub in Wandsworth, London has inspired efforts to enhance the family support system and early childhood development in Sarawak.
Deputy Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Rosey Yunus, mentioned that the Ministry’s working visit to the Roehampton Family Hub on Thursday provided valuable insights into the implementation of comprehensive services under one roof.
“I am delighted to see first-hand how the Family Hubs in Wandsworth provide comprehensive and easily accessible services for children and families.
“The integrated approach involving multiple agencies operating in one location is truly inspiring and offers many lessons that we can bring back to strengthen the family support system in Sarawak,” she said in her recent statement.
The delegation was led by Rosey, who is also the Bekenu assemblywoman, alongside the ministry’s permanent secretary, Datuk Felicia Tan Ya Hua, senior ministry officials from the Early Childhood Development Division and Strategic Planning Division, as well as representatives from SeDidik Sdn Bhd.
The visit gave the delegation the opportunity to observe the implementation of the Family Hub concept, which integrates health, education, and community services in line with the United Kingdom’s national strategy, Best Start for Life.
During the visit, the delegation was briefed on the centre’s operations and met families, staff, health visitors, community partners such as Places to Be, Rackets Cubed, the Family Nurse Partnership, and educators from the children’s centre.
Meanwhile, Wandsworth Borough Councillor and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Judi Gasser, expressed pride in being able to share their experiences with the Sarawak delegation.
“We are honoured to showcase the efforts carried out at our Family Hubs, which place children and families as the main focus.
“With over 4,723 families involved each year, it is an honour that our approach has become an inspiration to our peers from abroad,” she said.
The visit was part of KPWK Sarawak’s initiatives to strengthen international strategic cooperation and accelerate the development of a quality, inclusive early childhood education framework as the state works towards becoming a developed state by 2030.
