FAMILIES in West Belfast are set to benefit from multi-million investment transforming family support across the North.
Together for Families is a major new partnership, designed to provide earlier, more co-ordinated support for children and families.
It will strengthen the 29 Family Support Hubs across the north, including the Greater Falls Family Support Hub, Upper Springfield and Whiterock Family Support Hub and Outer West Belfast Family Support Hub which help families connect with local services and get early help in their communities.
The programme brings together The National Lottery Community Fund, the Department of Health, Health and Social Care Trusts and the voluntary and community sector to make it easier for families to access practical support earlier and closer to home.
The initiative is supported by a £59.2 million investment, with £30 million from The National Lottery Community Fund and £29.2 million from the Northern Ireland Public Sector Transformation Fund, provided by the UK Government.
At a launch event in St Comgall’s, formally marking the TfF launch, Health Minister Robbie Butler said: “I commend and warmly welcome this significant investment provided by both The National Lottery Community Fund and the Public Sector Transformation Fund.
“At a time when children’s services are under increasing pressure, this is a huge opportunity to improve the life chances of children and families across Northern Ireland, with the key aim of keeping families safely together, rather than apart.
“Together for Families reflects a shared determination to work differently, bringing partners together across the system, both the statutory and voluntary and community sector, with a clear focus on delivering better outcomes for children and families. We are at the start of this journey, but we can, and must, deliver for the children across Northern Ireland who need this support. I am committed to doing just that.
“I would encourage any voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations with extensive experience of supporting families with complex needs to consider applying for funding under this scheme, which is one of four key elements of the wider Together for Families project.”
Northern Ireland Director of The National Lottery Community Fund, Kate Beggs said: “This opportunity has the potential to deliver real, meaningful change where it is needed most, transforming support for families now while strengthening the wider system for the long term. Families across Northern Ireland will be able to get the right support earlier before the challenges they face reach breaking point.
“We know from the projects we already fund, and from years of listening to local communities, that targeted early intervention can make the greatest difference. Families want support that is compassionate, accessible and relevant to their lives.
“Community organisations are best placed to understand that because they have built relationships over many years and are often the first place people turn when they need help."
