Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department for International Development
Sonia Kumar
Main Page: Sonia Kumar (Labour - Dudley)Department Debates - View all Sonia Kumar's debates with the Department for International Development
Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life
Sonia Kumar Excerpts(1 day, 17 hours ago)
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Bridget Phillipson
I am grateful to my hon. Friend. Through the announcement today, his local authority will benefit from extra investment in Best Start family hubs. Again, that is the difference that comes from electing him to this place. He is right to identify the growing challenge that many of our young people experience with their wellbeing and mental health, including at a young age. Alongside the early support that we need to put in place, I know that the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care is determined to ensure that we are taking action on more acute services to tackle the unacceptable waits for child and adolescent mental health services. In addition, the support for parents through the Best Start family hubs will be critical. It is parents, working together with their children and professionals, who make the biggest difference. The evidence from Sure Start was clear about that.
Sonia Kumar (Dudley) (Lab)
I warmly welcome the Secretary of State’s announcement. In Dudley, our family hub is in St Thomas’s, one of the most deprived wards in the borough. Currently, it provides parent groups, baby clinics, prenatal support and much more, but its funding is uncertain. Will my right hon. Friend outline how the new announcement will enhance the hub, so that families can continue to receive vital services, including SEND support?
Bridget Phillipson
Through today’s announcement, we are ensuring that areas that do not currently receive funding will receive it, but alongside that we will ensure that all local authorities are able to deliver into the next phase. My hon. Friend is right that the services in her community, including those serving the most disadvantaged communities, make an enormous difference. That is why I am incredibly proud that we are investing half a billion pounds across the spending review period, which will allow us to reach half a million more children than is the case right now.