“As a first-time mum, her kindness and compassion were unmatched.”
For one South Lanarkshire mum, the kindness and compassion of her Health Visitor made a lasting difference during the earliest stages of family life. As a first-time parent, she described that support as unmatched – offering reassurance, practical help and the right support at the right time.
Now, a £2 million investment will strengthen early years services and support for families across South Lanarkshire, reflecting a deliberate focus on prevention.
Councillor Margaret Walker, Chair of South Lanarkshire Integration Joint Board, said: “We know how much families value the support, reassurance and practical help they receive from our local health care teams. This investment is about strengthening that support for babies, young children and families across South Lanarkshire.
“At a time of significant financial pressure, choosing to invest in earlier support is also a clear statement of intent. Prevention must be central to how we improve outcomes and reduce inequalities.”
Professor Soumen Sengupta, Chief Officer for Health and Social Care for South Lanarkshire, said: “Analysis undertaken with Public Health Scotland and the Institute of Health Equity has reinforced the importance of investing early if we want to improve life chances and reduce inequalities.
“Every one of our children arrives with potential and our responsibility is to help create the conditions in which that potential can flourish.”
