The recently publicised findings of the Millennium Cohort
study are a reminder of how important the early years of a child’s life can be in determining his or her educational success – and why Family Action’s work is badly needed. This study finds that the children from lower-income families with parents who are less highly educated are less advanced in their development at age five.
Family Action’s early intervention work makes a real difference to children whose early years are disadvantaged. We assist their parents with their own problems, be they postnatal depression, learning difficulties or domestic violence. We support them to improve their parenting. Our grants help them access new opportunities for training and buy essentials for the home so they can provide the best they can for their children.
Family Action is a lifeline for such families. As Shona, a mother from our Newpin service for new parents says:
“When I come to Newpin I always feel like there is someone to talk to and my daughter really enjoys being here. By coming to Newpin I have learned a lot about children and I now feel like I am a good mum. I feel more confident with my parenting and am now able to help other mums when they are having problems.”
Watch a short film which shows the benefits of our volunteer befriending scheme for mothers with postnatal depression.
Our educational grants are also making a difference to the futures of parents and children. After a difficult separation from her husband, Rozena received £585 from our Horizons fund to retrain as a paralegal. She says:
"“I lost my self esteem, because so much has happened, but I’m getting my confidence back. The course is very hard work, but I’m determined to do it so I can have a better quality of life - so I can provide for my daughter. For me this is the future - I will be able to go out with my friends, or take my daughter on holiday. This is my goal, and I know that I will do it.”
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