Lincolnshire County Council has been selected as one of 75 local authorities to benefit from the government’s Family Hubs programme.

Hosted by the Department for Education (DfE) and Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), the Family Hubs programme aims to make a positive difference to parents, carers and their children by providing high-quality, joined-up, whole-family support services from conception and through a child’s early years until they reach the age of 19 (or 25 for young people with special educational needs and disabilities).

Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell OBE, executive councillor for children’s services, said: “It’s well-known that a child’s early years have a significant impact on their later life. So, we want all Lincolnshire children to have a happy, healthy start in life and be well prepared for school.

“There is clear evidence that by supporting all families, identifying risks early and preventing problems from escalating, we can achieve better long-term outcomes for children and their families. That means we must ensure families get the right support, at the right time, in the right place.

“The Family Hubs programme is not about new buildings, but about adapting how and where we deliver information, advice and help to make it more welcoming and accessible for all families, particularly when they need it most.

“Importantly, it will mean additional investment, allowing us to build upon the support already provided by our children’s centres and the early help team. And we’ll be working closely with our partners, families and local communities to improve the services available, particularly in the crucial first 1,001 days of a child’s life.

“We’re delighted to see funding being directed towards early years at this critical time, considering the impact of the pandemic on small children’s development. We’re confident that this programme will make a significant difference to our families and give Lincolnshire children a firm foundation for the future.”