Up to £3.5m has been allocated to the flagship Supporting Families programme in Northumberland. 
 

It’s part of a multi-million-pound national funding package that means more vulnerable families with multiple and complex issues such as housing insecurity, poor education attainment and substance misuse are to receive tailored support to turn their lives around.  
 

It brings the total to more than £1.9 billion nationally since the scheme launched in 2013. 
 

As part of the 10-year anniversary celebrations organised by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, a Northumberland mum shared the heart-warming story of how Northumberland County Council’s Early Help team helped her get her life back on track. 
 

In a video, which is being shared on social media and at the celebration event next week to show the impact of the programme, she told how she was struggling with post-natal depression, financial pressures and finding the right support for her children’s additional needs.  
 

Thanks to one-to-one support from Early help worker Erin Stevens, she was able to overcome the challenges she faced so she can give her children and the family a more settled and secure future. 
 

Find out more by watching this video here. 
 

Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Northumberland County Council, welcomed the funding. He said: “Over the last 10 years, the Supporting Families programme has had a life-changing impact on hundreds of our most vulnerable families in Northumberland. 
 

“By working closely with families and listening to the challenges they face, we can provide the one-to-one support they need to get their lives back on track. 
 

“I am very proud that the excellent work of our dedicated teams here in Northumberland is being celebrated at this national celebration event. 

“It follows closely on the news that we’ve been chosen as a trailblazer local authority for Family Hubs – which means even more investment in giving all our young people the best start in life.” 
 

Up to £3.5m has been allocated to the Supporting Families programme in Northumberland, for the three years from April 2022 to March 2025.
 

Following referral, families are assigned a dedicated keyworker, who works with every member of the family and brings together local services to resolve issues as early as possible before they develop into crises. 
 

It's targeted at families who are facing multiple and often overlapping vulnerabilities, such as: financial or housing insecurity, poor mental or physical health, domestic abuse, children at risk of harm, poor educational attainment or substance misuse. 
 

Actions include work to help people leave abusive relationships, access support for mental health issues and find work. 
 

Announcing the funding, The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said: “Since it began 10 years ago, Supporting Families has provided vital help to thousands of families right across the country who face real challenges. 
 

 “The results are clear for all to see – the scheme has reduced the number of children entering care, cut the number of juvenile custodial sentences, helped many people into employment and reduced costs for the taxpayer. 
 

“That is why we are backing the programme even further, with over £230 million this coming year to fund skilled keyworkers who help vulnerable and disadvantaged families turn their lives around.” 
 

Support is available for all families in Northumberland. Visit our Family Hubs to find out more https://nland.cc/findfamilyhubs