The Start for Life offer provides comprehensive support for families with young children. Our goal is to ensure every child has the best start in life by offering a range of services and activities.

Our offer focuses on well-being, parenting support, infant feeding, mental health, home learning, and support for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Join us in creating a nurturing environment for your child’s growth and development and make a positive impact on their future.

Health services

Parenting support

  • Support groups: join your local groups for timely advice and support.
  • Parenting workshops: learn about effective parenting strategies.

Visit your local family hub for more information.

Infant feeding

Parent-infant relationships

  • Baby Massage programme: strengthen your bond through our universal baby massage sessions.
  • Attachment support: tips and resources for building a secure attachment.

Visit your local family hub for more information.

Mental health helpline for parents to be and new parents

  • Mental health awareness: recognise signs of low to moderate mental health issues.
  • Support access: how to get help during pregnancy and after birth.

Mental health helpline for parents to be, new parents and new baby.

Home learning

  • Language development: programmes to enhance your child’s language skills.
  • Learning activities: fun and educational activities to do at home.

Visit your local family hub for more information.

Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

  • Tailored support: services for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
  • Inclusive programmes: ensuring every child gets the support they need.

Visit our SEND Information Hub.

Healthy Start programme

  • Financial support: register for the healthy child programme if you are pregnant or have children under the age of 4 to access some foods.
  • Vitamins: free vitamins for pregnant women and young children.
  • How to apply: find out more about the Healthy Start programme and how to apply.