AQW 52193/22-27


Ms Sian Mulholland
Alliance Party
North Antrim


Tabled Date: 16/09/2026
Answered On Date: 01/10/2026
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the roll-out of the Together for Families model.


Answer:
A Programme has been established and a significant amount of work has been progressed to date to implement the core elements of the new Together for Families model which was formally launched on 10 September 2026.
Progress to date includes:
Extensive stakeholder engagement on core elements of the model including a series of webinars and market engagement events on the Enhanced Family Support Service element of the model, and a series of consultation events with Family Support Hubs.
The design phase has completed for the Enhanced Family Support Service element and the application form along with guidance for completion has been finalised and published online. The grant scheme for the Enhanced Family Support Service teams opened on 11 September 2026.
Delivery and governance structures have been put in place, including a Steering Group and Programme Board. Key implementation posts have been filled with recruitment processes underway for remaining posts to support the regional co-ordination and delivery of Together for Families.
Procurement for ongoing review and formal evaluation of Together for Families is underway, with the contract now out for tender.
In addition, work is progressing to finalise allocations for the strengthening Family Support Hubs element of the model and to finalise the Intensive Family Support Service; recruitment has commenced in HSCTs in relation to the delivery of the Intensive Family Support Service. Work is also ongoing to agree the design of the Family Support Open List element of the model.