Families First ‘core teams’ were set up by Renfrewshire Council in Linwood and Ferguslie 12 months ago to take forward a neighbourhood-based approach to helping families build a better future for their children, with a focus on 0-8 years.

One year on, Advice Works staff based within the teams have generated a total of £347,400 across both areas in support and income that local families didn’t know they were entitled to.

And more than 200 families have received one-to-one support from member of the Families First teams across the two areas on issues ranging from parenting support and health and well being to maximising household income and budgeting.

Councillor Jacqueline Henry, Education convener, said: “Our Families First Core Teams provide responsive, on-the-ground support for families in Linwood and Ferguslie who have young children. The teams offer a support package that starts with our staff building trust with the families and quickly moves forward to helping the families achieve their potential.

“No two Families First stories are the same. Some families have a key worker working very closely with them for months and this can include support from health visitors and Advice Works also. Some have a key worker for a shorter time with added support from a Homestart volunteer. While other families come along to the drop-in sessions that the teams run for an informal cuppa and chat with staff and other families – and they know the teams are there if they need them.” As well as the two core teams, 10 extra early years teachers have been recruited across Renfrewshire as part of the £14m Families First programme, and a looked after children mentoring team has been set up.

And all P1-P3 pupils across Renfrewshire who receive free school meals are invited to take part in the Families First Clubs during school holidays. The Clubs, which have also reached their first anniversary, offer a free meal and free activities every day during school holidays.

Clubs are also offered to children who attend additional support needs schools and children under five who attend a council pre-five centre during school holidays.

Councillor Henry added: “One year on, I’m delighted to say that investing heavily in our early year’s strategy and developing it into the Families First programme has had an extremely positive impact. We’ve heard first hand from families who tell us the core team support has been invaluable to them, and also from parents who value the extra support which the free clubs offer during school holidays.

“The core teams and the clubs are an important part of an overall Families First approach that aims to give our children the best possible start in life and my thanks go to everyone who has made the first year such a success.”