Report outlines how council will give all children in Telford and Wrekin the best start in life
Telford & Wrekin Council presented a report outlining their efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people to the borough's Health and Wellbeing Board on 23 March.
The creation of a set of family hubs, a focus on reducing the number of overweight and obese children of primary school age, and the aim of improving the emotional wellbeing of young people are three critical areas of work highlighted in the report.
The council is delivering the national Start for Life and Family Hubs programme through the Department of Education grant over the next two years.
The report states that the first of these family hubs will open in the summer of 2023 and brings together various programmes, such as breastfeeding support, parenting programmes and other community-based support groups.
Liz Noakes, Telford and Wrekin's director of public health, said:
"Ensuring that all children and young people in Telford & Wrekin achieve the best start in life has been a priority for the Telford & Wrekin Health and Wellbeing Board since 2021.
"If you make sure a child has the best start in life, this can narrow health inequalities and has a massive impact on their health and wellbeing for their whole life.
"The pandemic has disproportionately affected children and young people regarding their mental health and wellbeing.
"This report rightly highlights social, emotional and mental health as an area in which children and young people need support.
"The board have acknowledged the significant work programmes underway on giving children the best start in life - we are looking to continue this work."
