Home-Start Scotland welcomes the announcement from the Deputy First Minister of initial investment into the 'Promise Fund' to support early intervention and prevention work in Scotland.

We recognise the fantastic work of the Care Review and the extensive contributions from across Scotland. We have some way to go and know that significant joint efforts and actions will be required to achieve the best for all Scotland's children.

During the COVID-19 pandemic the support that local Home-Starts, alongside others, have provided across Scotland, has been a lifeline to many families.

The key principles that are recommended by the Care Review the key principles that Home-Start have held since its inception 47 years ago: that family support is holistic, empowering for families, and rooted in trusting relationships. Support should be early and preventative in nature, and should be both universal and targeted. This support should be stigma free and accessible to all families no matter where they live in Scotland. 

Local Home-Starts have expertise of working in the early years and antenatal setting over almost five decades, building on UK wide and international good practice to benefit families in local communities across Scotland.

We look forward to playing our part and will continue to be there when families need us most. #KeepThePromise