SureStart a '˜win' for Mourneview says Lockhart

The news was welcomed by DUP Councillor and Assembly candidate Carla Lockhart: “This comes following a long, hard struggle for funding. This is a win for the people of Mourneview.

“I have long campaigned, lobbied and pushed for such a service in the area and am delighted after three years of lobbying a very clear commitment by the Department has been given for SureStart to commence programmes in the Mourneview area.

“SureStart is a service run to provide a range of support services for parents and children under the age of four, who live in disadvantaged areas across Northern Ireland.

“It aims to support parents from pregnancy and to give children the best start in life. It is an excellent service of which I know so many have been through with their children.

“The shape of the programmes has yet to be determined by the Board but needless to say there will be a focus on the two years old programme available in other areas.

“I will be feeding into this shaping of the service and would love to hear from the young mums who have used this service before to hear of best practice.

“This is a win win for Mourneview and I will be delighted to see programmes on the ground that will help and support our young families. An investment of £100,000 will certainly assist in this regard!”