Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore has praised the news that the Bradford District has been selected as one of the local authorities eligible for the Government’s Family Hubs and Start for Life programme. This means the area will receive part of the £302 million funding which the Government have made available as part of the programme.
Family hubs are one-stop-shops where families can access important services. They act as a single ‘front door’, making it easier for families to get the help they need, and to improve the support on offer. Family hubs are for families with children of all ages, but with a great Start for Life (the critical 1001 days from conception to age 2) offer at their core.
In the local authority areas eligible for the fund, the Government will also be providing additional funding for perinatal mental health and parent-infant relationships; help with breastfeeding; and parenting programmes, accessible through the family hub.
The Department for Health and Social Care and The Department for Education will now work with the eligible local authorities on the final design of the programme.
Robbie Moore MP said: “It is vital that families across Keighley and Ilkley have access to high-quality services which will support them and their children’s development.
I am very pleased that our area will be eligible to participate in the Government’s Family Hubs and Start for Life programme, which will improve local access to childcare, mental health services, housing advice and employment, for families who need them most.
By ensuring families in Keighley and Ilkley have this access, we can end the postcode lottery which exists for some people in our country and ensure vulnerable families and young people can get the support they need. Following lobbying in Westminster, I am also pleased additional funding for perinatal mental health and parent-infant relationships will be provided to our area which will help with breastfeeding; and parenting programmes, accessible through the Family Hub scheme.”
