Carl Sargeant confirms continued support for Flying Start and Families First

Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children Carl Sargeant has committed to continuing support for the Flying and Families First programmes.

Addressing a joint Families First and Flying Start conference on Wednesday, the Cabinet Secretary said, between them, the programmes had helped thousands of families across Wales.

He said his decision to refocus the strategic projects commissioned by the Families First programme was taken to ensure the programme can do even more to support parents, children and young people and link the work of the programme clearly with preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).

The Cabinet Secretary also highlighted the success of Flying Start over the last decade, saying the Welsh Government’s commitment to double the number of children benefitting from the programme, had been met a year early which was a tremendous achievement.

Carl Sargeant said:

“During 2015-16 the Flying Start programme supported 38,269 children and their families, exceeding the original Programme for Government commitment to double the number of children benefiting from the Flying Start programme to 36,000 by 2016.

“Flying Start continues to improve the lives of children and families living in some of our most disadvantaged communities across Wales. Local Authorities will benefit from over £76 million in revenue funding this financial year.”

He added:

“Families First too, has had some amazing results. The Team Around the Family approach, in particular, is building stronger, more resilient families and increasing their chances of achieving long term positive outcomes.

“Evaluation evidence has found the programme has led to fundamental changes to the culture and commissioning of services which has directly contributed to ensuring these services meet the needs of families.

“I am immensely proud of Flying Start and Families First and I have been incredibly impressed by the levels of energy, enthusiasm and commitment shown in delivering these programmes.”