08.04.13
More disadvantaged mothers to receive support
The Family Nurse Partnership is to be extended to thousands more young and disadvantaged mothers, health minister Dr Dan Poulter has announced.
An additional 16,000 new parents will be offered support from a specialist nurse by 2015. Tavistock and Portman NHS FT, Impetus Trust and Social Research Unit at Dartington have been awarded the £17.5m contract to lead the programme.
The partnership consist of a structured home visiting programme for first time parents under the age of 20, and provides support until the child is two years old. Research suggests it can boost self-esteem and help mothers return to education or employment.
Health minister Dr Dan Poulter said: “Every child should have the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. Family Nurse Partnerships play a major role in supporting children in some of the most disadvantaged circumstances to have the very best start in life.
“Around 11,000 families are already benefiting from personalised support from family nurses, but I am determined that we should go further, and that is why we will expand the programme to support 16,000 families by 2015.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]