The Local Government Association has highlighted the exceptional support provide by an innovative project working with neonatal families in Lincolnshire.
The county council’s Family and Baby (FAB) project is a pioneering initiative that is transforming support for families with babies in neonatal care. Operating from Lincoln and Boston neonatal units, the FAB team work with families to:
- support parent-infant bonding and emotional wellbeing
- ensure continuity of care from hospital to home
- connect families to children’s centres and community services
- deliver evidence-based interventions, such as baby massage and video interactive guidance
The project has reached 98–100% of families in Lincolnshire’s neonatal units, including those placed out of county.
Cllr Natalie Oliver, executive member for children’s services, said: “This national recognition for the FAB team shows that Lincolnshire County Council continues to lead the way in delivering joined-up, family-focused services that give every child the best start in life.
“The project plays a vital role in promoting infant feeding, bonding and early learning – key factors in helping children achieve a good level of early development.
“In addition, all families are registered with our children’s centres and signposted to relevant services, to ensure they continue to receive the support they need and that no one is left behind.”
The FAB project is government-funded through the council’s Family Hubs and Start for Life programme, which continues to provide early, relationship-based support to families during the critical first 1,001 days of their baby’s life—from pregnancy to age two. For more information on all the support available, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/start-life
To read the LGA’s case study on the FAB project, visit www.local.gov.uk/case-studies/supporting-neonatal-families-through-family-and-baby-fab-project-lincolnshire-county