At a meeting later this month, Cabinet will be asked to approve the Early Help Strategy 2024 to 2029.
Ensuring that every child has the best start in life is a key priority for the Council. The Strategy sets out three phases of support for families: universal and community Family Help, focused Family Help and specialist Family Help.
Universal support is available for all families, and this includes activities at Children’s Centres and community venues across the borough.
The Council’s 2024/25 Budget was agreed last week at Full Council. Over the coming year, an additional £370,000 will be invested to enhance youth work and Early Help services. Approximately 300 extra sessions will be delivered for families per year.
This will include new birth celebration sessions, baby massage, baby first aid, treasure basket sessions, talking tots, toddler yoga, stay and play groups, baby weigh sessions; and reach, roll and play sessions.
Through the investment, additional street-based youth work will be delivered to engage with young people in their communities. This will involve working closely with partners in the voluntary and community sector, and it will mean that there are more things to do and places to go for young people.
Councillor Chris Read, Leader of the Council, said: “We are committed to supporting families in Rotherham and I am pleased that additional investment has been agreed.
“Hundreds more free, universal sessions will be available for families and young people to access. Further support for families will see Baby Packs provided for all new parents in Rotherham, and the development of an activity hub in the town centre for children and young people with additional needs.”
Councillor Victoria Cusworth, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, added: “Early Help is at the heart of our vision to ensure that every child has the best possible start in life. The Early Help Strategy sets out how families will receive the right support at the right time.
“As well as the increase in activities that all families can access, we are also bolstering youth work provision for older children because we know it’s important that young people have places to go and things to do.”
Bethany Walker lives in Swinton and has been attending sessions at Swinton Brookfield Family and Children’s Centre. Bethany told us: “I first enquired about Brookfield Children's Centre when my daughter was a few days old. I was anxious about being a new mum and I didn't know the area I was living in due to moving here just before covid. I spoke with staff and attended a play group session. I was very anxious as my daughter was still so tiny but upon arrival I was greeted with a huge smile by staff.
“From then on, we attended group sessions. I was asked if I wanted to come along to a baby massage session running and this is where I met my now very close friend. The Children's Centre for me is a support bubble. I really struggled in my first year of being a mum and having someone to talk to who I didn't feel like I was being judged. It made me get up and out of the house with a tiny baby, as I enjoyed seeing other mums at play groups. Attending these groups has helped my daughter, she is very sociable and loves being around other children.”
Lesley Woodhead lives in Wickersley and has been attending play group sessions in Thrybergh for the past year. Lesley said: “I attend the play group at Thrybergh with my daughter and three grandchildren. We all enjoy our time there. We have found it really helpful to be able to ask the advice of not only the staff there but also other mums and grandparents. The atmosphere is always calm, welcoming and friendly.
“It is so helpful to be able to access the knowledge of professionals, we have had help with nursery placements and school advice. We have been coming here for approximately one year and hope to continue coming. I always recommend the different groups to others.”
Online information and support for families can be found on the Rotherham Council website. This includes information on giving your child the Best Start in Life. All families can access a range of free and practical parenting programmes. The courses cover pregnancy to the teen years and include advice and helpful tips to boost your confidence as a parent in Rotherham. To find out more, visit www.rotherham.gov.uk/family-hubs
Further information on activities and sessions for families can be found online. Visit Early Help North, Early Help Central, or Early Help South to learn about what’s on in your local area.
View the Cabinet report on the Rotherham Council website.
Photo caption: The image shows Councillor Chris Read who is pictured in Swinton at Brookfield Children's Centre with local resident Bethany Walker.