Source · Select Committees · Petitions Committee
Recommendation 12
12
Not Addressed
Paragraph: 57
New parents have missed out on vital support from professionals such as health visitors to...
Recommendation
New parents have missed out on vital support from professionals such as health visitors to baby classes and groups. We’ve heard how important this support is for parental mental health and for helping to lay the foundation for parenting, family life and early infant development. The Government has announced a £1 billion catch- up fund for older children who have missed out on valuable education. These new parents have also missed out at a crucial time for both them and their children. The Government should fund and provide additional catch-up support targeted at this cohort of parents to enable them to access both the professional and more informal support that plays such an important role during the first few months of parenting.
Government Response Summary
The government states community health services continued support during the pandemic and that health visitor resources are a matter for local authorities. It mentions general funding for local authorities and charities but does not commit to additional catch-up support specifically targeted at new parents.
Paragraph Reference:
57
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
It is important that parents feel supported by all those around them who help care for them and their baby. Community health services have continued to provide support during the pandemic with greater use of digital and remote technologies giving support to higher needs families. Health visitors have also prioritised families not already in contact with services and families where there this is a risk. Guidance published on 3 June sets out the approach to restoration of community health services for children and young people: https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/wp-content/uploads/sites/52/2020/03/C0552-Restoration-of-Community-Health-Services-Guidance-CYP-version-3-June-2020–1.pdf. The allocation of health-visitor resources is a matter for local authorities as the commissioner best placed to understand the needs of their local population and make decisions on funding priorities. Public Health England is also working with partners and professional bodies to support local implementation. The Government recognises the importance of securing support for the most vulnerable in communities during the current national emergency. This is why we have provided £3.7 billion of additional funding to support local authorities to address any pressures they are facing in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, including public health services. The Government has also pledged £750 million to ensure charities can continue their vital work supporting the country during the Covid-19 pandemic.