A New Year funding boost for Norfolk families has been welcomed as the county is expected to receive more than £2.3 million through the Government’s family hubs and Start for Life programme.
The funding comes as part of a £126 million boost for families around the UK, designed to give every child the best start in life and deliver on the Labour Government’s Plan for Change.
Terry Jermy MP, Member of Parliament for South West Norfolk, said: “This funding will help give every child in Norfolk the best start possible. Families and children in South West Norfolk and around the County will be able to access early years support such as pregnancy guidance, infant feeding advice, parenting classes and other support.
“As a former Youth Worker myself, I know the early years for a child are crucial to their overall development, health and life chances. Antenatal classes, health visitors, parenting support, baby and toddler groups and access to affordable, high-quality early education and childcare – all are vital for guiding parents and supporting child development. Yet over 80% of parents have said they struggled to access such services.
“As part of our Plan for Change the Government is committed to strengthening and joining up family services to improve support through pregnancy and early childhood and improve long term outcomes for children – including through investment in Family Hubs and the Start for Life programme.”
Andrew Gwynne, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, said:
“This crucial investment provides a strong foundation to deliver our commitment to raise the healthiest generation of children ever, by giving parents the support they need to ensure their baby has the best start in life.
“The first two years of a child’s life lay the building blocks for their physical and emotional wellbeing into adulthood. That’s why we are investing in early years, as part of our Plan for Change, to improve access to services in deprived areas to ensure no-one is left behind.”
