The Solihull Family Hub App is a digital platform designed to connect families with local services, support, and activities. Currently available in 19 community languages (more can be added), the app ensures accessibility and inclusion for Solihull’s diverse population.
Overview
The Solihull Family Hub App is a digital platform designed to connect families with local services, support, and activities. Currently available in 19 community languages (more can be added), the app ensures accessibility and inclusion for Solihull’s diverse population.
It features a dedicated area for partners, a digital Care Experienced Card, real-time push notifications, and a comprehensive calendar of sessions and events across all Family Hub locations. With over 1523 downloads and growing engagement, the app has changed how families interact with services, improving access, communication, and collaboration across the borough.
Background
Solihull’s Family Hubs programme aims to provide seamless, accessible support for families. Recognising the need for a centralised, inclusive, and user-friendly digital solution, the council developed the Family Hub App to bridge gaps in communication, reduce barriers to access, and enhance engagement with services. The development of the App started at the beginning of the transformation work and as a key part of the digital offer for families and young people.
Objectives:
- Improve access to Family Hub services and information.
- Ensure inclusivity through multilingual support
- Provide a digital platform for care-experienced young people who can discreetly show this card on the App when entering the Hub.
- Enable real-time communication via push notifications.
- Promote activities and events across all hubs in one place.
- Strengthen collaboration with partners through a dedicated area where they can share information and message each other.
How did you go about setting the project up?
The App was co-designed with families, young people, and partners to ensure it met real needs. Engagement sessions, user testing, and feedback loops were integral to development. The council worked with a digital provider to build a secure, scalable platform that could evolve with user needs across both Apple and Android devices.
Impact
- Inclusion: The app supports over 19 community languages currently with more that can be added, ensuring accessibility for Solihull’s diverse population.
- Empowerment: The Care Experienced Card gives young people digital access to entitlements and support.
- Engagement: Push notifications keep families informed of new services, events, and urgent updates.
- Visibility: A centralised calendar promotes all sessions and activities across hubs.
- Collaboration: Partners can share updates and resources through their dedicated area.
- Reach: The app has been downloaded over 1523 times, with 340 new downloads in the last 30 days.
- Information, Advice and Guidance: Family have access to additional information and resources on the App in the online resources section which also links to the Family Hub website, Facebook and Instagram pages.
User Testimonials
“I love how easy it is to find activities for my toddler. The app is clear, and I can even read it in my own language.”
— Parent, Chelmsley Wood
“As a care-experienced young person, having my card on the app makes me feel seen and supported.”
— Young person, Solihull
“The push notifications are brilliant. I never miss a session now!”
— Parent, Kingshurst
“It’s great to have a space where we as partners can share updates and reach families directly.”
— Local Community partner
What have you learnt?
Digital inclusion is about more than access—it’s about relevance, language, and trust. Co-designing with users ensures the app remains responsive and valued. Ongoing feedback is essential for continuous improvement.
Recommendations for other councils:
- Involve families and partners from the start.
- Prioritise accessibility and language support.
- Use digital tools to complement—not replace—face-to-face services.
- Invest in training and promotion to maximise uptake.
Things you may have done differently:
Earlier integration with school and health systems could have enhanced reach and impact at the initial launch.
How effective has the project been?
The app has significantly improved how families access support and stay informed. Uptake continues to grow, and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. It is now a core part of Solihull’s Family Hub offer and will continue to evolve based on user needs.
Contact
Louise Hudson, Senior Strategic Delivery Manager – Family Hubs
Contact: [email protected]