The Healthy Babies programme is set to be broadened to encompass all local authorities, adopting a more cohesive strategy for family support that aligns with the principles established by Sure Start. This initiative aims to enhance the support available to parents, particularly in the areas of infant feeding and mental health, while also fostering the development of strong relationships between parents and their babies. By 2028, this support will be available at over 1,000 hubs across the country, in conjunction with health visiting and midwifery services.
The announcement of this expansion comes from the Health and Social Care Secretary, Yvette Cooper, who outlined plans for a more integrated framework for family support that mirrors the Sure Start model. While Best Start Family hubs have been introduced throughout England, it has been noted that more than half of local authorities currently operate hubs that lack Healthy Babies services. This gap means that families do not consistently have access to comprehensive health, early years development, and family support services in a single location.
Strengthening Community Health Services
With the extension of the Healthy Babies programme to all local authorities, the government is reaffirming its commitment to the Sure Start ideology, which emphasises integrated family support. This initiative forms a key part of the government’s neighbourhood health strategy, which aims to deliver early years, family, and elder support more effectively within local communities.
In addition to the Healthy Babies programme, the Secretary of State has announced plans for a new adult social care workforce strategy, which is anticipated to be published by year’s end. This strategy aims to cultivate a robust workforce that will underpin the proposed National Care Service and create more career opportunities for jobseekers in the care sector.
Furthermore, care workers will benefit from the introduction of the first national collective pension scheme specifically designed for adult social care. This initiative will provide financial security in retirement and serve as a new incentive for individuals considering a career in care. To further support the millions of unpaid carers across the nation, the Secretary of State has pledged to appoint a new champion for unpaid carers, highlighting the government’s commitment to recognising and assisting this vital segment of the workforce.
Addressing Violence Against Women and Girls
In another significant development, the government is enhancing the NHS response to violence against women and girls (VAWG), with an allocation of £49.4 million in funding for Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) over a three-year period. This initiative marks the recognition of VAWG as a public health epidemic by the Secretary of State.
Within this funding, up to £34.4 million will be directed towards supporting 12 ICBs across England in launching the first phase of the Steps to Safety referral service. This service is designed to ensure that women and girls who experience violence and abuse can access specialist support through their general practitioners. Additionally, £15 million will be invested over the same period into victim support services through ICBs throughout the country.
A targeted consultation with stakeholders will also be initiated to develop a national framework that adopts a public health approach to VAWG, focusing on prevention, early identification, support, and recovery. Furthermore, a new National Clinical Lead for Violence Against Women and Girls will be appointed to facilitate a more unified health response to this critical issue.
More Stories
Housing Charity Under Investigation by Regulator, Transactions Restricted
£25 Million Greatham Flood Alleviation Scheme Gets the Green Light for North East Protection
Almost 50 Arrests Made in Major People Smuggling Operation at Irish Border