Category: National Children's Bureau
Posted on 05.11.2024
The first years of life are fundamental in a child’s development. Factors including the environment and community they live in, development of language skills, good diet and nutrition, as well as social and emotional wellbeing, all play a part in shaping their future.
For a decade, Lambeth Early Action Partnership (LEAP), a member of the National Children’s Bureau family, has been running an innovative programme to improve outcomes for pregnant women, babies, children and their families in the area. As the 10-year programme comes to an end, they have been reflecting on the impact and the lasting change that has been achieved.
LEAP has developed more than twenty local services to meet the needs of families through pregnancy and the early years of childhood, continuously adapting, learning and refining their support to meet changing needs.
“I attended the Being a Parent course when I was having a difficult time with my twins – it really turned things around for me and my family. By the end, I had a better relationship with my twins and strategies to help me raise all four of my children. I applied to become a Parent Group Leader as I believed in the course and wanted to help other parents.” Parent
Lasting legacy
Most of the services and activities run by LEAP will continue to be available through other organisations, including Lambeth Council, ensuring families continue to thrive. A celebratory event took place in September, with around 200 attendees, sharing their learning and experiences of the LEAP programme.
This is just one of numerous projects which NCB support or lead across the UK, with goal to build a better childhood for every child.
The full LEAP story can be found here.