Public health programme to support families in Blackburn with Darwen

August 28, 2024

An exciting new chapter to further develop the health of children and families has been launched in Blackburn with Darwen.
East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT) and Home-Start Blackburn with Darwen began delivering the healthy child programme in April this year, on behalf of Blackburn with Darwen Council.
It is part of a national programme for children aged 0-19 which promises to provide vital public health services to local families, including:
• A Health Visiting Service to support pregnancy, child development and improving child health outcomes
• An Infant Feeding Service to assist new parents with feeding and nutrition
• Community and Voluntary Support to offer additional help to families and children aged up to five-years-old
• A School Nursing Service to ensure continued health support as children grow
Plans were shared at recent special launch event held at Livesey Family Hub, attended by health and social care leaders.
The event was opened by Councillor Brian Taylor, Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen Council and closed by Cllr Julie Gunn, Deputy Council Leader, who both spoke about how important this service is in ensuring that all children within Blackburn with Darwen have the best possible start in life.
Key speakers such as Cath Taylor, Consultant in Public Health at the Council, Vicky Hampson, Divisional Director of Operations at ELHT, Mischa Russell, Baby Friendly Specialist Midwife at ELHT, Amanda Barrass, Manager at Home-Start, and Councillor Julie Gunn shared their vision for the programme.
The event also featured information stands showcasing the various services and initiatives available to support children and families.
Vicky Hampson said: “We are working together to give our families the best start for life and helping make positive and lasting changes with health and wellbeing, so every child can achieve their full potential.
“At our launch event there was a really positive reaction as we set out our plans to further develop the public health offer to children and families and provide clear access routes to additional help and support where it is needed.”
Amanda Barrass said: “The Home-Start Blackburn and Darwen team of staff and volunteers, are really excited to be a part of the healthy child programme. Our experiences of working with Public Health, Health Visiting Teams, the Baby Friendly Initiative and the Family Hubs has been so positive, which will help to improve support we provide to families and children from conception to five years old.
Cath Taylor said: “We are extremely proud of the healthy child programme in Blackburn with Darwen and are excited to be working to deliver this service alongside both ELHT and Home-Start over the forthcoming years. This service is universal and provides vital support to all children and families in our borough, regardless of the circumstance in which they are born.”