Wirral Council is getting £1.8 million to support families struggling with social problems such as insecure housing or substance misuse. The money, to be used over the next 12 months, is part of the national Supporting Families Programme, now in its 10th year of helping those most at risk of being left behind.
The money will see vulnerable families allocated a skilled local keyworker to help them to tackle issues they may be facing, giving them personal one-to-one support to turn their lives around. Over the last decade, the programme has reduced the number of children entering care by 32% and reduced the number of juvenile custodial sentences by almost 40%.
Councillor Kathy Hodson, Chair of Wirral’s Children, Young People and Education Committee, said: “We have seen huge progress in improving the lives of many families with the programme but sadly there are still those struggling with insecure housing, substance misuse and other challenges.
“Through covid and cost of living challenges, support has been targeted support at those who need it most. Today’s news means that those families with additional pressures will continue to get help, with some of our brilliant staff in the Children’s Department.”
Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Felicity Buchan added: “Through its ground breaking whole-family early interventions, the Supporting Families programme has made a hugely positive impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of families.
“The last 10 years have seen significant positive changes, providing early access to better support from the right people at the right time – enabling families to overcome multiple and serious challenges. “Everyone involved in delivering the scheme can be really proud that they have supported some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged families in our communities.”
