Better Start Bradford putting parents in the lead

Better Start Bradford has today launched a £295,000 activity fund, which gives parent-led groups the chance to apply for funding to run activities for families in the Bowling and Barkerend, Bradford Moor and Little Horton areas of Bradford.

Funding of between £500 and £2,000 is available for the next eight years and activities must be run by parents, or have parents involved in a meaningful way. The activities must align with Better Start Bradford’s aims of improved social and emotional development, development of communication and language and improved health and nutrition for babies and toddlers up to the age of three.

The Parents in the Lead activities fund will also place local parents at the heart of the decision making, with a parent–led panel in each of the three wards deciding which activities to support.

Gill Thornton, Better Start Bradford Programme Manager, said: “We want to put the Better Start Bradford community at the heart of everything that we do. The activity fund means local parents are able to take ownership over activities that are available in their area, whether that is creating toddler walking routes, growing and outdoor activities, cooking with your child, pop up play streets or something completely innovative. We are really looking forward to seeing what our parents come up with.”

Mel Astin, Project Manager, BD4 Family said “The Parents in the Lead funding from Better Start Bradford is great news for our community. My hope is that lots of parents will be inspired and encouraged to put in action their great ideas for their communities with the help of this money. This funding provides an opportunity for our parents and families to work together and develop fun and innovative activities for their little ones.”