Search is on for Flintshire ‘Stars’ in children’s lives

Parents of a scheme which has given over 1500 children a flying start in life in Flintshire are being asked to nominate the stars in their children’s lives by Communities and Tackling Poverty Minister Lesley Griffiths.

Flying Start is the Welsh Government’s flagship early years programme which provides quality part-time childcare for 2-3 year olds, an enhanced Health Visiting service, parenting support and support for the development of children’s speech, language and communication.

The Stars in their Lives awards, now in their second year, highlight the crucial help and support provided by health visitors, midwives, childcare providers and parenting and family support specialists to children across Wales.

One of last year’s five winners from across Wales was Jo Parry, of Flintshire, the regional winner for North Wales.

All the nominations praised Health Visitor Jo’s work, but one particular nomination detailed the impact that her work had had on the family. The panel felt that her work demonstrated how she provided strength and support to not just the child but other family members too.

‘Above and beyond’

One Flying Start Family said:

“We are so pleased that Jo has been recognised for her amazing work. Even before our baby was born, Jo went above and beyond to ensure that we were prepared as parents. We have been through an extremely difficult time, and Jo has been a constant support system – I couldn’t imagine anyone else more deserving of the award.”

The latest figures by local authority for 2014-15 show 1,515 children benefited in Flintshire.

The Minister said:
“Having visited Flying Start facilities right across Wales and spoken with families who have benefitted from the help and support provided by our committed staff, the huge impact the programme is having on people’s lives is clear to see.

“I encourage parents and families of children who have been helped by someone in our dedicated Flying Start team to get in touch and nominate so they can receive the recognition they deserve.”

The awards are for Flying Start staff who work with families in Flying Start areas. These are some of the most disadvantaged areas of Wales.

Recognition.

The awards allow parents whose children have benefited to give special recognition to the hard working professionals whose skill and dedication is providing thousands of youngsters with a flying start in life.

Across Wales Flying Start helped over 37,200 children last year alone, exceeding the Welsh Government’s expected target.

Parents, grandparents and carers are invited to nominate a Flying Start worker or organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to their children’s development or has had a positive impact of their family’s life.

The closing date for nominations is 14 September. Awards will be presented at the Flying Start conference in December by the Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, Lesley Griffiths.

Nominations forms for the Stars in Their Lives awards are available from local Flying Start centres, via the Family Information Service, or can be made online at www.facebook.com/FlyingStartWales.

Feature Image: Communities and Tackling Poverty Minister presents Jo Parry, of Flintshire, with her Stars in their Lives regional award for North Wales.