Families across Brent are set to benefit from a new Best Start for Life offer, which will see residents able to access improved breastfeeding, perinatal mental health and parenting support thanks to a £4million cash boost.
This investment, which the borough will receive over the next three years, will enhance existing support services from Family Wellbeing Centres, Maternity Services and Health Visiting Services.
Brent is one of 75 areas that will be part of the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme, with services set to begin from April.
Families will be able to access this enhanced support in the first 1,001 days of their child’s life, which are crucial to a child’s development and provide children with the building blocks for good lifelong physical and emotional health.
Councillor Gwen Grahl, Cabinet Member for Children Young People and Schools said:
“Early years are vital for children’s development and early language and communication skills so we are pleased to receive this extra funding which will build on what we are already able to provide.
“Our Family Wellbeing Centres are well loved and well used by Brent’s parents, carers, children, and young people. The Start for Life funding will help parents to form secure lifelong bonds with their babies and children.
“Family Wellbeing Centres will provide advice and support to parents to encourage them to chat, play and read with their children to ensure that every child in Brent gets the best start in life.”