The Blackpool Better Start Timeline
Reflecting on what the programme has achieved and the learning it has provided so far.
It is important to recognise the contribution of the Blackpool partnership in getting to this stage. The willingness of professionals to look at their practice with new eyes and work with parents and the community to ensure the services are delivered in a way that achieves the greatest impact for our families. To the community who have taken this programme to its heart and given of their time to make their voices heard and understood. To the partners, professionals, volunteers and community members and team at the Centre for Early Child Development, who have the unenviable task of keeping the partnership on track, a massive thank you for all that you’ve done to make the future better for Blackpool children and families.
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A few highlights:
Parent-led, activity budget steering groups launched in Children’s Centres in June 2015.
The first annual conference ‘A Better Start for Blackpool’ was held in November 2015.
The NSPCC’s Video Interaction Guidance programme was launched in Blackpool in March 2016.
Partnerships
Launch of Services
Events
Community Consultations
A few highlights:
A review of health visiting contacts took place in April 2016 through consultations with parents and professionals.
In July 2016 Safe Care was launched to Blackpool parents to prevent cases of neglect before they escalate into child protection services.
The Volunteer Academy was launched in March 2017 to encourage volunteering amongst early years parents and care-givers.
Launch of Services
Community Consultations
Events
Launches
A few highlights:
In April 2017 a Supervised Tooth Brushing Scheme was introduced to improve oral hygiene in pre-school age children.
Mellow Dads, a targeted programme to support dads to implement parenting strategies, was launched in August 2017.
Mereside Children’s Play Area was opened in May 2017 by NSPCC Trustee, Dame Esther Rantzen.
Launch of Services
Recruitment
Campaigns
Events
Research
A few highlights:
5 Health Connectors were appointed in July 2018 to connect families with health services in the town.
In April 2018 early years play areas were completed at Thames, Kincraig and Baines, and at Queens Park in July 2018.
The 4th annual conference ‘Trauma Informed Blackpool’ was held at the Winter Gardens in November 2018.
Launch of Services
Events
Launches
Campaigns
Appointments
A few highlights:
In May 2019 the Blackpool Sling Library service began to encourage parents to try baby carrying through renting slings.
Community Voice held their first event with a family Beach Party in July 2019.
For Baby’s Sake – a service to support expectant parents with a history of domestic violence – launched to Blackpool families
New Services
Events
Launches
A few highlights:
Early Years Apprenticeship and Early Years and Education Level 3 course which included Better Start messages and content.
The first Talking Dads episode was streamed live on Facebook in May 2020.
Early Years Settings Workers were recruited in August 2020, supporting nurseries to improve quality of provision.
New Services
Campaigns
Launches
Recruitment
A few highlights:
In June 2021 the new ‘Superbabies’ campaign was launched on buses and on social media. The campaign highlighted the benefits of not drinking alcohol during pregnancy on the unborn baby.
CECD presented at the Summit in February 2022 about Blackpool Better Start Community Approaches to Pregnancy and Early Years.
A town-wide early years timetable was launched in March 2022 to inform local families of all activities taking place at Family Hubs, and in community venues throughout the town.