Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden has welcomed new Government proposals to help disadvantaged families – and is urging Blackpool Council to bid to get involved in pilot projects worth £16 million to help both families at risk and young carers.  The initiative follows an analysis and review by the Government’s Social Exclusion Task Force which estimates that around 140,000 families experience multiple problems restricting their life chances – and their children’s.  “We know that Blackpool has particular challenges here given high levels of transience, some low levels of family income and a high rate of teenage pregnancies”. Mr Marsden said.  

“The Labour Government has put substantial amounts of money, billions of pounds in fact – into early years support and childcare. Blackpool has three SureStart centres and other new Children’s Centres. But this review points the need now to local councils and stakeholders to focus on family development in delivering their services to adults too. I’m writing to Blackpool Council to urge them to bid with other local services for the Family Pathfinder projects the Government is planning to test out some of these new ideas.” 

“This could include domestic violence support services when an ex-offender with a troubled past is released, A & E Departments doing more to identify domestic violence through admissions.” 

“The young carers pilot might be particularly appropriate for us in Blackpool where again I know from talking to the local Princes Royal Carers Trust and others we have literally hundreds of young carers locally needing support. We have a project and caseworker doing things in Blackpool here already – but more money and support would mean far more carers could be recruited. I’m keen to do whatever I can to help as this Government programme is rolled out.”