Faith-Friendly and Inclusive Design

A faith-friendly and inclusive design ensures that the Family Hub is a welcoming place for all, regardless of belief. The design can incorporate neutral language while respecting the values of faith-based families.

Tips for a church on Incorporating Neutral Language in Materials While Respecting Faith-Based Values

• Use language that is non-exclusionary and respectful of diverse beliefs while remaining true to your church's mission.
• Avoid language that may be perceived as judgmental or alienating, such as terms like "all have sinned" or "washed by the blood of the lamb." Instead, opt for positive, invitational language like "Love God, Love others" or "we love because He first loved us”. 
• Ensure that any religious expressions are presented as an invitation to engage, not as a requirement for participation.

Strategies for Welcoming Families of All Faiths (or No Faith) While Staying True to the Church’s Mission

• Make the Family Hub a space where faith is part of the service offering but not imposed. Families should feel welcome regardless of their faith background.
• Offer services with a focus on the holistic well-being of the family (physical, emotional, and social support), with opportunities to learn more about the church's faith if they wish.
• Create an atmosphere where faith-based conversations can happen naturally, but only when individuals express interest.

Designing the Environment

Clear Access and Entry

• Ensure that the entry to the Family Hub is clearly marked and easy to find; make it welcoming with visible signs and opening hours posted on the front door.
• Avoid opaque doors or entrances that could discourage newcomers, ensuring that people can easily see how to enter and feel invited in.

Accessibility

• Make all facilities fully accessible to individuals with disabilities, including features such as ramps, wide doorways, accessible restrooms, and good lighting.
• Consider conducting an accessibility audit to ensure compliance and inclusivity.

• Consider providing ‘quieter times’ e.g. the first 30 minutes of a session reserved for those with sensory or neuro-divergence needs, or ‘calm spaces’ - a smaller room to help people who need it.

Safety

• Design spaces that are secure, well-lit, and equipped with clear safety procedures, creating an environment that feels safe and comfortable for all visitors. Safety procedures should be easy to follow, written in languages relevant for the community,  and be reassuring for families using the space.

Neutral Yet Warm Decor

• Choose neutral, unobtrusive decor that still feels warm and welcoming. This can include soft colours, comfortable furniture, and art that reflects various cultures and experiences.

Clear and Inclusive Signage

• Use simple, clear signage that is easy to understand, including universal symbols and translations in multiple languages.

Visual Sensitivity

• Be mindful of the visual content on display. Think about the images, symbols or wording and whether they might inadvertently exclude or alienate those who don't share your faith; could they be perceived as judgmental by someone who doesn’t understand them? Consider the language and whether it  might be confusing or offensive.  Try to use language that is universally welcoming, such as terms that invoke peace, hope, and love.

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Articulating Your Faith Position

Churches can express their beliefs and values while ensuring that the Family Hub remains open to everyone. The degree to which your faith is shared within different activities and services can vary, and churches may choose from several levels of engagement. Theos Think Tank provide a helpful image of three levels in their ‘Keeping the Faith’ report that may help: 

• “Low Fat”: Activities and services that are open to everyone, regardless of faith, without actively sharing religious beliefs. Faith conversations may arise naturally, but they aren’t the focus. For example, a parent and toddler group.
• “Half Fat”: Activities and services that are open to everyone, with a holistic approach addressing both material and spiritual needs. Faith is shared in a sensitive way, but participation is not required. For example, a Christians Against Poverty money management course.
• “Full Fat”: Activities and services that are integrally linked with the faith community. Faith is openly discussed, and participants are encouraged to explore the church’s teachings. These groups might offer Bible study or prayer as part of the services. For example, an explicitly Christian wellbeing course.

Each approach has its place, but the most important thing is to be clear upfront about which level of faith engagement the different activities and services in your Family Hub offer.

Tailored Support Services

Faith-based organisations have an opportunity to support Family Hubs and serve their communities through offering many programmes, many of which they may already provide. For example, many communities lack support in areas like parenting, mental health, and youth services.

Identify your Local Community Needs

Conduct surveys or asset-based community development (ABCD) exercises to understand the needs of the local area. Work with local authorities and charities to fill gaps and avoid duplicating existing services.

Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD)

The Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach focuses on identifying the strengths and resources already present in the community. This model encourages collaboration, empowerment, and contributions from all members of the community, leading to a stronger, more sustainable Family Hub.

• Start with Strengths: Instead of focusing on what the community lacks, look at what is already working well and build from there. Engage community members by asking them what they can contribute to the overall well-being of the hub.
• Create Opportunities for Contribution: Encourage community members to be active participants by asking what they would like to give back, fostering a sense of ownership and belonging.

Please see the Nurture Develop Link’s Asset Based Community Development Training or the ABCD Institute’s Tools and Resources for more information. 

Identifying Opportunities 

Churches and faith groups can serve their communities through many programmes, often ones they are are already providing, such as:

• Parenting groups
• Mental health support
• Youth activities
• Food banks
• Community events
• Relationship support  

By assessing the local needs, you can identify areas where your Family Hub can offer valuable services, complementing existing support or addressing gaps in community provision.

Collaboration with Local Authorities and Charities

Form partnerships with local authorities, charities, and other community organisations. This ensures that your services are integrated into a larger network of support and helps avoid duplication. Working with these partners can also provide access to funding and resources. See Section 4 for more information on how to form strong cross-sector partnerships.

Stronger Together

Flexible and Responsive Support

Regularly review and adapt services based on the evolving needs of the community. This ensures that the support you provide remains relevant and effective, with the ability to introduce new programmes or modify existing ones as necessary.

Space Considerations

When repurposing church buildings or spaces for Family Hub activities, practical considerations are essential for creating a functional and family-friendly environment.

Practical Advice for Repurposing Church Buildings for Family Hub Activities

• If your church is in a traditional building with pews, consider if renovating the space to make it more flexible will better serve the community’s needs.
• Explore alternative spaces like community halls or church-owned buildings that could be used for family-oriented activities.

Cost-Sharing and Management Agreements

Work with local councils, community groups, and other stakeholders to share costs and manage the usage of the building. This will ensure the facilities remain accessible and well-maintained.

Design Flexible Layouts for Activities

Ensure the layout encourages engagement and interaction among families, while providing spaces for quieter activities as well. Opt for flexible furniture that can be easily reconfigured for different activities, allowing for a variety of programs throughout the week. Lightweight, stackable seating and movable storage are good options that can accommodate various programs throughout the week. Tables and chairs with legs of varying heights are essential. 

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Strategic Planning 

Defining Objectives and Outcomes

Establish clear goals for the Family Hub, such as increasing parental engagement, improving child development support, or enhancing mental health services. These objectives will guide the development of programmes.

Prioritising Services Based on Local Need

Use community feedback, surveys, and local asset capturing to identify the services most needed by your community. Tailor your offerings to meet these needs and leverage the strengths of your faith community.

Sustainability and Impact Measurement

Develop strategies for ensuring long-term viability, including securing funding, engaging volunteers, and regularly assessing the impact of your programmes. This will help maintain the relevance and success of the Family Hub.

Community Involvement and Feedback

Involve families, faith leaders, and community stakeholders in both the planning and ongoing evaluation of your Family Hub. This creates a sense of ownership and ensures that the Hub remains responsive to the community's evolving needs.

Marketing, Communication and Outreach

Strong communication helps build trust, awareness, and engagement. Language should be inclusive, positive, and welcoming to families from all backgrounds. Avoid using ‘us’ and ‘them’ when considering the people who will come to the Family Hub. 

Develop a marketing strategy to raise awareness of the services offered by the Family Hub. Use local media, social media, and community events to promote programs and engage potential participants. Young people can be brilliant at harnessing the power of social media and can be an asset to your team. Invite them to contribute, lead in this area and learn from them. 

Communication Channels

• Church website - with the Family Hub page easily findable from the website home page or menu
• Local press and community radio
• Posters, leaflets, banners
• WhatsApp/parent groups
• Church noticeboards
• Social media (Instagram/Facebook)
• Local school networks

Template: Flyer Checklist Example

• Clear name and logo
• Tagline (e.g. “Here for Families”)
• Who it’s for (e.g. 0–19 years, parents)
• Map and contact info
• Opening times and services
• Church or organisation charity number
• The logo of your Local Authority’s Family Hub if you have permission to use it

Why Tone Matters

Family Hubs are designed to be places of welcome, support, and hope. The way we communicate - in our posters, conversations, emails, and resources matters.A friendly tone doesn’t mean losing authority - it simply removes barriers by sounding human rather than bureaucratic. Well crafted friendly writing still respects the subject’s seriousness - but it feels like an open door instead of a closed gate.

Key ways tone builds accessibility:

• Using straightforward language rather than technical or specialised terms
• Speaking to the reader ("you") rather than about them ("service users")
• Showing empathy, not just giving instructions
• Keeping sentences warm and active, rather than heavy and passive

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Top Tip

Use photos of real families (with permission) who are representative of the local diversity. Avoid stock imagery where possible.