Project launched to tackle child poverty in Cumbria

A range of organisation have come together to found a project aimed at tackling child poverty in Cumbria.

Copeland Council is working with the Howgill Family Centre on the 'Pre-birth and Beyond' project, which is funded by United Utilities, Copeland Community Fund and the Howgill Centre.

The Pre-birth and Beyond project, launched today in Whitehaven, will invest in children and parents, especially those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds.

Copeland Mayor Mike Starkie said:

The project will include a programme of new-born visits from Howgill staff, promoting emotional and physical development, as well as parenting capacity.

There will also be encouragement to breastfeed, and intensive support will be offered to teenage parents, including access to the new Whitehaven Foyer supported accommodation.

Brenda Holden, Chairwoman of the Howgill Family Centre, said:

Partners hope the work will result in confident parents and healthy, well-developed children.

David Moore, Chairman of Copeland Community Fund, added: