Parents and carers asked for views on children’s services

Parents and carers in the Lisburn have been asked for their views on how best to develop services for children aged 0-3 in their area.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is one of the lead partners in the Resurgam Community Development Trust’s ‘Early Intervention Lisburn’ (EIL) project which held a one-day event in Lagan Valley Leisureplex to listen to the views of people in the communities of Hillhall, Tonagh, Old Warren, Knockmore and Hilden.

Adrian Bird, Director of the Resurgam Trust, explained: “The aim of the project is to improve outcomes for children and families in these communities in an attempt to discover the needs and requirements of the people of the Lisburn area and address any possible inequalities that may be raised by this consultation.

“The project recognises that all parents need support at various times and there is no such thing as a perfect parent. We want to support parents, carers and families and help build their capacity, confidence and skills to do and be all they can be for themselves and their children. 

“We believe that in doing so, we will help Lisburn to maximise its potential and realise our ambition of making Lisburn the best place to bring up children.”

The EIL project was initiated by the Resurgam Community Development Trust in partnership with the PHA in 2011 to improve outcomes for disadvantaged communities in Lisburn. The Early Intervention Project Board consists of key statutory, community, voluntary, and government partners with significant strategic and operational experience in early intervention work.

Chris Totten, Head of Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement (South East) at the PHA, added: “It is extremely important for the project to actively engage with local people to discuss their ideas, their experiences, what people want from services, how we can help to improve services available to children, young people and families in Early Intervention Lisburn communities.”