Plymouth is getting £1.25m in government funding to give families and new parents extra support. It will include pregnancy support, infant feeding advice and parenting classes.
The extra cash has been pledged as part of Labour’s Plan for Change, with more investment in Family Hubs and the Start for Life programme. The government says it is committed to strengthening and joining up family services to improve support through pregnancy and early childhood – with the aim of improving long term outcomes for children.
The funding will see a total of around £57 million made available to 75 councils with high levels of deprivation in 2025-26. It will provide a raft of support through Start for Life services to families with babies, from pregnancy up to the age of two.
Fred Thomas, MP for Plymouth Moor View, said: “I am absolutely delighted that families and children here in Plymouth will be able to access improved early years support through this funding boost from the Government. This Labour government is committed to giving every child the best possible start in life, and this funding helps deliver on that commitment.
“This will make such a huge difference for so many families in our community and I know that the impact will be felt for years to come.”
Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said: “Every child in Plymouth deserves the best start to life. It is proven that if we prioritise their earliest years it helps set them up for better development, health and life chances.
“I am delighted that in our Plan For Change we’re committed to strengthening and joining up family services to help improve support from pregnancy to early childhood for the long-term benefit of children and families. After all it takes a village to raise a child.
“The £126 million funding boost nationwide will go such a long way in delivering for every child, family and care provider the information, support and services they need to close the opportunity gap and get children starting school ready to learn.”
Jemima Laing, deputy leader of Plymouth City Council and cabinet member for children’s social care, said: “I’m delighted at this announcement of funding for the continuation of the family hubs programme here in Plymouth. It will enable us to keep on investing in our Family Hubs across the city which are so vital in supporting our work to ensure that families get the help and support when they need it.”
Family Hubs have developed the support previously offered by children’s centres, offering everything from group activities to one-to-one support. Services include antenatal classes, activity sessions, parenting programmes, breastfeeding support and practical help from a wide range of professionals.
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