Blackpool Better Start is a 10-year programme that gives every new baby in Blackpool a better start in life. The £45 million investment from the National Lottery Community Fund is used to improve speech and language, diet and nutrition, and social and emotional development of 0-4s across the town.

Led by the NSPCC, the Blackpool Better Start partnership includes the local community and senior leaders who all work together to break the cycle of poor outcomes among families who are struggling for support.

This is being achieved through major system change and delivery of evidence-based interventions, by transforming maternity services and by offering parental support to ensure all families are getting the right help at the right time.

As Blackpool Better Start enters its eighth year, it is hoped that many of the 27 services currently being delivered will be retained to continue the progress that has been made. The investment, research and expertise gained during the programme will provide a legacy to the future families of Blackpool by giving the community and local workforce the tools and advice to improve the outcomes of Blackpool children for years to come.

The Better Start partnership is committed to main streaming services that have proven to be effective in Blackpool. This has already happened for programmes such as the antenatal education offer, Baby Steps, and other services for families that need a bit of extra support

During the final two years of Lottery funding, more initiatives that have seen positive impacts on families will be sustained through the partnership, with the learning from Better Start enabling more of a focus on prevention and supporting the town-wide focus on whole family and early help.

To learn more about what the programme has achieved and the learning it has provided so far take a look at our Blackpool Better Start timeline. You can also read our latest reports and review our annual dashboard on our dedicated data page.

To find out more about The Centre for Early Child Development, the research and development hub of the Blackpool Better Start Partnership, visit our CECD page.