Wrexham Assembly Member Lesley Griffiths has praised a key child poverty scheme which, in the space of nine months last year, helped over 3,000 families in Wales.
Many individuals in Wrexham have benefited from Families First which was set up by the Welsh Government in 2010 to play a key role in addressing child poverty in Wales.
It works with Local Authorities to provide co-ordinated support and a range of projects to help families experiencing multiple difficulties.
With the programme placing clear emphasis on prevention and early intervention, Local Authorities tailor the support they provide to tackle local needs and specific requirements of families.
Ultimately, the Welsh Government’s aim is to eradicate child poverty by 2020.
During the nine months under review, almost 1,800 families across Wales signed up to a Families First action plan to address potentially spiralling problems. The development of a ‘Team Around the Family’ approach is supported in Wrexham and helps assess and co-ordinate services for vulnerable families.
The Wrexham Family Information Service provides free information, support and guidance on all aspects of childcare, children and young people’s services in the area.
Wrexham AM Griffiths said:
“Families First projects are excellent examples of how early intervention can help vulnerable individuals and I am pleased the programme is having a positive impact on thousands of people’s lives across Wales, and also specifically in Wrexham.”
“It is important for the Local Authorities to continue to work in partnership with relevant agencies, as well as alongside other Welsh Government initiatives such as Flying Start and Communities First, to help achieve the best possible outcomes for vulnerable people across Wales and to realise the ultimate aim of eliminating child poverty by 2020.”
