Project targets deprived parents

The idea is to take some of the strain off new parents

The Scottish Executive has launched a £3m scheme to help thousands of parents in some of the poorest areas of Scotland.

The Starting Well project, announced by Health Minister Susan Deacon, will be concentrated on some of the deprived areas of Glasgow.

She said the money was being provided to help take some of the strain off parents and give children a better start.

Starting Well is about breaking the cycles of deprivation by investing in the crucial early years

Health Minister Susan Deacon

The move has been criticised by one parents group for only focusing on a small area of Scotland.

The Starting Well project will provide support and advice for 1,800 families before and after children are born.

The measures will include 20 extra health visitors in the Gorbals, Toryglen and Greater Easterhouse.

Family support workers with experience as parents will also be on hand to provide intensive home-based support to all families with new babies in the target areas.

Ms Deacon said: "The development of good lifelong health starts with parents and their children.

The aim is to give children a better start

"Starting Well is about breaking the cycles of deprivation by investing in the crucial early years, by improving health and quality of life for the most disadvantaged young children and by providing support to parents and their children - before conception until the first day of school."

It is hoped that, by giving practical advice, parents will be more confident about gaining access to the facilities and help in their communities.

They will also be encouraged to say what they believe they need.

Project manager Dr Michael Ross, of Greater Glasgow Health Board, said: "The start we get in life is absolutely vital.

"What we're trying to do here is provide people with the kind of support that allows them to say: 'This is what I want for my family'.

Confidence boost

"They can make decisions themselves about needs that they define for themselves, for families and children within these communities."

Health visitor co-ordinator Claire McGinley said: "They might be able to offer support with childcare, or perhaps a parent wants to go along to a group but doesn't feel confident about doing that, the lay worker might be able to go along with them.

"All health visitors have a lot of training in parenting support and child development, so they'll have more time to spend with parents and work in a pro-active way to anticipate problems that may come up about childcare or child development."

Focus criticised

Parent Network Scotland has welcomed the funding, but has criticised the focus on deprived parts of Glasgow.

It says parents of all backgrounds experience problems, and this approach means many families who need help will miss out.

The plans in Scotland mirrors similar moves which were announced for England last year.

The National Family and Parenting Institute was set up last November south of the Border with the aim of providing a range of information services for families.