A Better Start Southend celebrating 10 years of supporting families in the city.

April 1, 2025

Celebrating ten years of A Better Start Southend (ABSS) as the programme comes to an end.

ABSS, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, has supported expectant parents and families with children under four, helping with early development, health, and school readiness. The programme has focused on key skills like movement, speech, brain development, and building relationships with six city wards, focusing on areas where families faced the greatest challenges, providing support and create better opportunities for young children and their families.

As the programme comes to an end, the improvements and partnerships it has created will continue. The Council and partners remain committed to ensuring families continue to receive the help they need. Over the coming year, we will be working closely with parents and local organisations to shape the next phase of services for babies, children and families in our city.

Cllr Laurie Burton, cabinet member for children, young people and SEND, says: “A Better Start Southend has achieved so much over the last decade and leaves a legacy on our city. Well done and thank you to all the staff, organisations, partners and families who have made it such a success. Many projects will continue thanks to the set up of City Family CIC who will ensure families can continue to access valuable early years support in the city, and we will continue to work with them, our health partners, and the voluntary sector to deliver good services to those who need them in our community.”

To learn more about the children’s services available across the city and how residents can access the support they need, City Family offers an information and guidance service. This can be accessed via the City Family website: www.cityfamily.org.uk or by phone: 01702 844118.

Additionally, the Livewell Southend website, along with the Local Offer specifically designed for children with SEND, serves as an essential tool for accessing information about children's services and support. Visit: www.livewellsouthend.com or www.livewellsouthend.com/send-local-offer

To find out more about Beyond ABSS, visit: A Better Start Southend | Beyond ABSS - A Better Start Southend

You can also find information online about Mental health support during and after pregnancy - Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System