Healthy Babies programme to be expanded across England
The UK government is expanding its 'Healthy Babies' programme to 1,000 family hubs across England by 2027. The initiative aims to provide integrated support for infant feeding, mental health, and parent-child bonding.
Why it matters
This policy represents a significant reinvestment in early-years social infrastructure, aiming to replicate the long-term economic and social benefits of the previous Sure Start model.
The new policy of family hubs will commit £500m to opening 1,000 centres from April 2027 Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PA The new policy of family hubs will commit £500m to opening 1,000 centres from April 2027 Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PA Society Healthy Babies programme to be expanded across England Scheme will follow principles of Sure Start, helping families with infant feeding, mental health and bonding with babies
Prefer the Guardian on Google The government is rolling out a Healthy Babies programme to every local authority in England, as part of its efforts to expand a Sure Start-type system of help for deprived children and families.
It aims to support parents with infant feeding, their mental health and building strong bonds with their babies, alongside health visits, midwifery care and wider services.
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