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The Rainbow Room has officially opened at Best Start Family Hub in Dines Green creating extra space for activities and services for parents, children and young people across the city.

The room has been named in memory of Simone Cooke, a highly valued Family Hub Practitioner who worked at the hub. Simone died from a brain tumour in 2023. She is fondly remembered by colleagues and families she supported during her time there.

Known for her warmth, kindness and positive outlook, Simone loved rainbows and David Bowie. The new room has been designed to reflect her bright personality and the difference she made to so many families. A memorial bench has also been installed at the hub in her honour.

The additional space means the hub can offer more sessions and support for local families. Parents and carers will also benefit from a new buggy shelter, providing a safe and secure place to leave pushchairs.

Tracy Duncan, Manager at Best Start Family Hub on Tudor Way, said: "The new room and buggy shelter will make a real difference to families using the hub. The extra space means we can offer more activities, support more parents and children, and make visits easier and more welcoming for everyone.

"It is also a wonderful way to remember Simone. She was a cherished colleague who brought warmth, kindness and positivity to everything she did."

Best Start Family Hubs bring together a wide range of support services for families in one place. They are open to expectant parents, children, young people and their families.

Services available at the Tudor Way hub include maternity and health visiting clinics, stay and play sessions for babies and young children, speech and language support, Birth and Beyond antenatal classes, baby weighing clinics, parenting support, counselling and emotional wellbeing support, stop smoking services, clothes swaps and food support.

The improvements at Tudor Way are part of a wider programme of investment by 91��Ƭ��County Council to strengthen Best Start Family Hubs across the county. Recent building work in the hubs has focused on making better use of space, improving accessibility and increasing capacity so more families can access support when they need it. These improvements include additional buggy storage, expanded clinic space, and enhanced sensory rooms and equipment. 

Alan Bailes, 91��Ƭ��County Council's Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Giving children the best possible start in life is one of our highest priorities. While I never had the chance to meet Simone, I am delighted we have been able to remember her in this way.

“Best Start Family Hubs do vital work supporting families and creating welcoming spaces for parents and carers. I am looking forward to getting more involved as I settle into my new role and seeing the difference they make first hand.”

For more information about Best Start Family Hubs across Worcestershire, visit the Family Hubs page.