AQW 19622/17-22

Mr Andrew Muir
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 27/05/2021
Answered On Date: 08/06/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health whether consideration is being given to extended additional support for families of babies born during lockdown, in order to aid integration into child care facilities and early years development.

Answer:

All 29 Family Support Hubs continue to be open for referrals during the pandemic. Parents can make a self-referral by contacting the appropriate coordinator in their area. A full list of Hubs and coordinator contact details is available at http://www.cypsp.hscni.net/family-support-hubs/.

Also, Health Visitors have continued to provide a service to new mothers during lockdown. The website https://www.ni-maternity.com may also be helpful, as it has a dedicated section providing advice, support and information to new parents. SureStart services have also now resumed in full and parents may be able to avail of support through the programme. Information on individual SureStart projects, including contact details, is available at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/contacts/sure-start-partnerships.

Finally, advice, support and guidance are available through Parentline NI either at parentline@ci-ni.org.uk or on 0808 8020 400. Alternatively, the website www.familysupportni.gov.uk enables parents to search a comprehensive register of family support services in their local area.