This week’s executive approval for Cumberland’s Family Help and Prevention strategy marks a significant commitment to improving the lives of children and families across Cumberland. It sets out how investment will change, prioritising providing support to children, young people, and families at the earliest opportunity and improving access to services by bringing them closer to the communities that need them.

The strategy, developed from feedback given by the community, children and families, is designed to address issues before they escalate and seeks to create a supportive environment where families can thrive and children can achieve their full potential.

It outlines a number of challenges faced in Cumberland, including the large geographical spread of population and health inequalities, as well as describing how support will be provided by partners and the council within local communities to ensure needs are met and effective family help and prevention is delivered.

Family help and prevention is a collaborative approach between services and families that provides support as soon as a need is identified. All families, children and young people may need some support at different points in their lives, from preconception to breastfeeding advice and safe sleep, all the way through to supporting accessing education and responding to changing circumstances.

The Family Help team will be out and about over the summer at various events including Operation Respect and Wellbeing events.

Cllr Emma Williamson, Deputy Leader (Non-Statutory) of Cumberland Council and Executive Member for Children, Family Wellbeing and Housing, said:

“I am really proud to announce this new strategy, it really sets out our commitment to children and families in Cumberland. The right help and support at the right time can make a huge impact.

“We are prioritising providing help to families earlier and focusing on prevention. Working with partners, we want to make a meaningful difference to the lives our children and make Cumberland one of the best places to grow up. This strategy helps to set out how we will make that a reality and build a brighter future for all our young people.”

Cllr Elaine Lynch, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Development, said:

“Co-location of services and professionals will make it easier for families to access the services they need. The Family Help and Prevention strategy sets out how we will work together with partners in health and education to deliver better services and we are really excited to see this strategy making a positive impact on the lives of children and young people.”