Five-year strategy to support children and families launches in East Riding

East Riding Children and Families Partnership has launched a five-year strategy aimed at giving every child the best start in life.

The Partnership brings together East Riding of Yorkshire Council,  NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, Humberside Police, the Voluntary and Community Sector, National Probation Service, Department for Work and Pensions, early years education, schools and colleges, and involving young people and parents and carers from across the county.

Four priorities have been set for the next five years, for children and young people to:

1. enjoy good physical, mental and social health and wellbeing
2. be safe in different environments
3. develop the skills and knowledge to achieve their full potential
4. receive the right support, at the right time, in the right place

Merlin Joseph, Chair of the Children and Families Board and Executive Director of children, families and schools said: “This partnership strategy brings together organisations across our local area to ensure we work seamlessly together for the benefit of children, young people, their families and carers here in the East Riding.

“Our shared ambition is simple but powerful: we want every child and young person to have the best possible start in life, to be safe, to grow up in a loving and stable home, and to be supported to develop the skills, confidence and values they need to achieve their potential and to thrive.

“This is more than a vision on paper, we are committed to making this real — real for our communities, real for families, and real for the practitioners working every day in our neighbourhoods. Together, we will turn this shared ambition into meaningful action and lasting change.”

Anya, Co-Chair of the East Riding Youth Council said: “As a young person growing up in East Riding, I think it is important that services and organisations that are designed to help and support children and young people listen to their views, including those with special educational needs and / or disabilities, as well as children and young people who have poor mental and emotional health and wellbeing. I think that it’s really good that this plan reflects what the voices of children and young people growing up and living in East Riding are saying.”

Across the East Riding there are around 81,000 children and young people aged 0 to 24. There are around 23,000 primary school aged pupils and 18,000 secondary school aged pupils.

The strategy recognises that every child is different and is influenced by the many conditions of living – from social networks, skills and opportunities to housing and transport. It outlines how the partnership will support children, young people and their families through early help, accessible help, tailored support and joined-up services.

Councillor Victoria Aitken, cabinet member for children, families and education said: “By joining forces and listening to the voices of young people, we will deliver real, lasting change: better health, greater safety, stronger skills and timely support. Together, we will create a future where every child can thrive.”

Hear more about the five-year strategy: https://youtu.be/upDJTUBIHMc

Read the East Riding Children and Families Partnership strategy: eryc.link/childrenfamiliespartnership