“Connecting Families” project gets £1/2 Million boost

Bridgend Local Service Board (LSB) project aimed at improving outcomes for local families and reducing longer term costs to public services is being boosted by £500,000 of Welsh Labour Government and European Social Fund investment.

Launched this week, the ‘Connecting Families’ project will target families in the Bridgend County area who place most demands on public services and have a disproportionate impact upon the communities in which they live. Over the next three years its aim is to work with these families to help them make the necessary changes in behaviour and lifestyle.

LSB partners including the council, police, health board, job centre plus and other organisations within the public, health and voluntary sectors will work jointly to plan, integrate and deliver these services. As well as creating better support and outcomes for the families, it will develop the skills and expertise needed for better collaborative working between agencies in the future.

Cllr Mel Nott Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for Bridgend Local Service Board and its partners to work in collaboration for the benefit of the community. We want to find ways of achieving improved outcomes for local families while providing better value for taxpayers. The Connecting Families project will result in improved services for local families that will ensure appropriate help and support is provided in an effective, focused manner.”

Paul James, Superintendent for South Wales Police, added: “This is an important project which will benefit theBridgendCounty. This important investment will help to transform the lives of some of our most vulnerable families. It’s important that we are all working together as a partnership, bringing skills and experience that are necessary to the success of the project.”

Catherine Roberts, Head of Primary Care and Planning for Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, commented: “Key to the success of Connecting Families is the identification of those cases where the parents/carers of a child have a higher level of need, and where by working with them will have a direct benefit to a child’s social and health welfare.”

Bridgend Local Service Board is responsible for ensuring that all public services inBridgendCountywork together to improve outcomes for citizens. It brings together local organisations and integrates services. It comprises the following organisations: Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC), South Wales Police, Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Local Health Board (ABMU LHB), Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations (BAVO),BridgendCollege, Environment Agency Wales, the Probation Service, `Business in Focus and the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

The Welsh European Funding Office is part of the Welsh Government and manages the delivery of the EU Structural Funds programme inWales. The European Social Fund aims to help people fulfill their potential by giving them better skills and better job prospects and is a key part of the EU’s strategy for growth and jobs.

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