The mother of a five-year-old girl from Oldham has said the previously shy child who used to 'hide away' is now a 'chatterbox' after attending Oldham Family Hubs.

Zahra Khan began struggling following the pandemic and her mother, Mehreen Khan, said taking Zahra and her 18-month-old brother Mohammed Ahsan to the Oldham Family Hubs sessions has helped them 'enormously'. 

Also Read: Oldham has second highest increase in finance troubles

Mehreen said: “It has been so helpful. When she was little she was not confident and was hiding at home.

“I came here and (team assistant) Diane helped a lot. Now she doesn’t stop. She’s a chatterbox. She doesn’t keep quiet now.

“She started talking and she isn’t shy anymore.”

She added that the sessions have also helped her son build his confidence.

Frightful good fun was enjoyed at the Medlock Vale Family Hub for Halloween, with children and babies invited to dress up for a spooky session.

Also read: Agreement reached in damage to Shaw church prosecution

Families enjoyed a spooky 'Stay and Play' with games and activities to entertain them during the half-term break.

One spooky skeleton was 12-month-old Jacob Preece who got into the spirit of Halloween after having attended family hubs since he was just two weeks old.

Jacob Preece has been attending family hubs since he was two weeks oldJacob Preece has been attending family hubs since he was two weeks old (Image: Oldham Council)

His mum, Stacey Harrison, said: “Home Start breastfeeding support told me about the play and interaction available at the Family Hubs.

"It’s great to see him experiencing different things.”

Also read: Update on IX Wireless works suspension from Oldham Council

Kiren Nazim brought her two sons Hashim, 11, and Haider, nine, with her three-year-old daughter Duaa.

She said: “They were both on their PlayStation so I said ‘Let’s get off it and go to the Family Hub'.

Hashim and Haider have also benefitted from the Family HubsHashim and Haider have also benefitted from the Family Hubs (Image: Oldham Council)

“Both of my sons have been attending since they were little.

“It helps with all of their confidence and with sharing, and singing here helps with their speech.

“It’s also an outlet for me to get out of the house and speak to other parents.”

Also read: Oldham Council could be set to open a new children's home

Since last summer, Oldham Council has opened seven Family Hubs to deliver a wide range of support and activities for families as part of a £3.6 million programme.

Family Hubs bring together resources such as midwifery clinics, breastfeeding support, parenting support, speech and language support and stay and play sessions as one-stop shop to give children the best start in life and overcome challenges.

They offer activities and support for children and young people from conception through to 19 years old – or 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).