Children and families from across Enfield will benefit from £1.5 million of government funding to boost the delivery of Start for Life services
Families in Enfield are set to benefit from a significant £1.5 million government funding injection to enhance early years support through the Start for Life programme. This initiative focuses on supporting children up to the age of two and their caregivers, offering services to promote healthy development, strengthen early relationships, and provide crucial mental health support.
The funding, part of a £126 million national pledge by the Department of Health and Social Care and the Department for Education (DfE), is directed toward areas with high levels of deprivation. It aims to provide comprehensive support, including guidance on pregnancy, infant feeding, early language development, and creating nurturing home learning environments.
Enfield Council’s Start for Life programme has already seen significant investment, with two Family Hubs established in Ponders End and Craig Park. These hubs serve as central points for connecting families with local professionals, streamlining access to essential services.
“A Healthy, Happy Start for All”
Cllr Abdul Abdullahi, Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, welcomed the funding, saying: “Our priority is to ensure all children are given the opportunity for a healthy, happy start and parents feel they have the assistance and encouragement from professionals to support their children’s development at the critical early stages.”
The council has leveraged additional support from the DfE to implement innovative tools like the Anya app, which provides breastfeeding and parenting guidance, and Qwell, an anonymous online mental health service for adults. These resources aim to make maternity, baby, and family support more accessible to all.
Building a Stronger Future for Enfield Families
This funding comes as Enfield Council prepares to debate its new draft Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2024–30 at a Full Council meeting on 22 January. The strategy’s Start Well pillar is dedicated to ensuring children thrive in their early years and are ready for education.
Key priorities include: supporting children to thrive in early years settings; improving nutrition, oral health, and physical activity among young people; promoting emotional wellbeing and mental health; empowering families to seek preventative healthcare through early interventions.
With the additional funding and a comprehensive strategy in place, Enfield Council is poised to create lasting improvements in the lives of children and families. By prioritising early support, the borough aims to break cycles of deprivation and lay the groundwork for healthier, more resilient communities.
This investment underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring all children, regardless of background, have the opportunity to grow up in environments that nurture their potential. Families in Enfield can now look forward to enhanced services that put their needs first, helping to shape a brighter future for the borough.
