BLACKPOOL has been chosen as a new test site for a Government project to improve child health.
The resort will take part in the Family Nurse Partnership Programme to help tackle problems such as obesity, infant deaths and low breastfeeding rates.
It will involve intensive nurse-led visits for vulnerable first-time young parents – in which f
amily nurses will visit teenagers or mums from disadvantaged areas from early pregnancy until the child is two years old.
The health professionals will build close, supportive relationships with families and guide inexperienced teenage mums and dads to adopt healthier lifestyles, improve their parenting skills and become self-sufficient.
Blackpool has the second highest rate of teen pregnancy in the North West and remains in the top 10 in the country when it comes to gymslip mums. One in 15 Blackpool girls is pregnant before their 15th birthday.
The town also has low breastfeeding rates, with less than half of resort mums, 42.3 per cent, breastfeeding their baby – compared to the national average of 78 per cent.
Blackpool also has higher than average death rates for coronary heart disease, strokes, accidents and suicide and a lower than average life expectancy.
The Family Nurse Partnership scheme, part of the Child Health Promotion Programme, was announced in October 2007 and was piloted in 10 areas.
Blackpool is among 20 new sites to be chosen for more tests.
The Government is investing a further £30m in the project over the next three years.
Health minister Anne Keen said: "The Child Health Promotion Programme should be a universal service for all children and families and must be taken seriously.
"Commissioners need to recognise that this can be a valuable tool for meeting their obligations on breastfeeding, obesity prevention, infant mortality and the 12-week antenatal assessment.
"A high-quality programme will help them meet these vital requirements, but also help to improve general health and well-being among children and families in our communities."
Cabinet Office Minister Ed Miliband added: "The Family Nurse Partnership is a great example of a service that 'thinks family'. It provides tailored and sustained support to young and vulnerable families, building on strengths to help parents achieve their potential and give children the best possible start in life."
The full article contains 381 words and appears in Blackpool Gazette newspaper.
