A ‘family hub’ has been opened to support parents and give children a safe “stay and play” space.

It was set up at the Muswell Hill Centre in Hillfield Park, near Muswell Hill Broadway, to help families with parenting, feeding, mental health and language development, as well as advice on money and benefits.

But the best bit for children is the “stay and play” sessions to help keep them occupied, entertained and off the streets.

The hub is part of a £3.4 million Haringey Council programme to bring resources helping parents and families together under one roof.

It is the second opened by the local authority, following its first at The Triangle centre in Tottenham. Two more are planned by next March.

“Every child deserves the very best start in life,” cabinet member Cllr Zena Brabazon said. “We’re committed to helping youngsters on their journey.

“This is support every step of the way, from one-to-one advice to running activities and listening to people to enhance their lives.”

Services also include housing, debt and welfare advice as well as early intervention help “to reduce inequalities” as part of a one-stop-shop council service for families.

The aim of the family hubs is to ensure parents has information and support when they need it most for bringing up their children.

What started as a local project is now being rolled out as part of a national programme, with cash from the Department for Health and Social Care, which is overseeing the scheme, and the Department for Education.

The programme is restricted to 75 top-tier local authorities such as Haringey where urban needs are greatest where families facing the cost-of-living crisis may be in need of a helping hand from public authorities.

The Muswell Hill centre is run by a local voluntary committee separate from the council.

The volunteers also run evening youth club for secondary schoolchildren on Fridays during term time. The club for ages 11 to 16 is open 6.30pm to 8.30pm, with activities like table tennis, basketball, pool, table football, arts and crafts.