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Funding boost for Start for Life scheme

2 mins read Early Years Health
The government has announced funding of £57 million to extend the Start for Life programme for a further year.
Maggie Gordon-Walker says some mothers are left feeling isolated. Picture (posed by models: Adobe Stock
The Start for Life programme provides a range of practical support for new parents. Picture: Alex Kich/AdobeStock

The funding will be made available to 75 local authorities with high levels of deprivation in 2025 to 2026 to provide a raft of support to families with babies, from pregnancy up to the age of two.

The announcement includes £36.5 million to improve mental health support for families and promote positive early relationships between babies and caregivers; £18.5 million to improve infant feeding services and provide support with breastfeeding; and £2 million to ensure families can access and understand their local Start for Life services and support parents’ involvement.

It comes on top of the £69 million announced in the budget to extend family hubs to all areas.

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