South Lanarkshire IJB agrees £2m investment to support families

South Lanarkshire's Integration Joint Board (IJB) has approved the investment to enhance early years services in the region, focusing on the critical first stages of childhood development.

The funding will accelerate the Marmot Place Programme, a collaborative project aimed at reducing child poverty and improving outcomes for young children.

Councillor Margaret Walker, chair of the South Lanarkshire IJB, said: "This decision and this investment is demonstrative of the South Lanarkshire IJB's clear belief that every child deserves the strongest start possible.

"This is why we have chosen to put children and families at the heart of our priorities.

"I want to express my sincere thanks to our local leadership team.

"Their dedication, innovation and determination have enabled us to take this substantial and bold step for the good of our population's health and wellbeing."

South Lanarkshire IJB has approved a £2 million investment in early years support (Image: South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership)

The IJB said the early years are widely recognised in public health as a crucial foundation for long-term wellbeing.

This investment aligns with the board's Strategic Commissioning Plan and its priority to support children and families from the earliest stages of life.

Professor Soumen Sengupta, chief officer for South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said: "The early years shape so much of a child's future – how they learn, how healthy they are and the opportunities they have as adults.

"By strengthening how we work together across all our local services and with local communities, we can make sure that more children get the solid foundations they need to thrive throughout their lives."

Local mum Danielle Cairney from Hamilton, who attended a Happy Babies group, praised the sense of community the service provided.

She said: "The staff have been amazing and it's a great support network and a real sense of community.

"I've made some really good friends with other mums."

The IJB's commitment is supported by South Lanarkshire Council, NHS Lanarkshire, third sector partners and all those working across the local Community Planning Partnership to strengthen early years support and improve population health.

Jimmy Wilson, interim chief executive of Voluntary Action South Lanarkshire, said: "The third sector is often the first point of contact for families in need and we see first-hand the impact that investment in children and in their future can have.

"By working hand-in-hand with our statutory partners and local communities, we can and will shape solutions that genuinely make a difference."

Ally Boyle MBE, chair of Public Health Scotland, said: "We warmly welcome this bold investment by the South Lanarkshire Integration Joint Board.

"Choosing to prioritise the earliest years, especially in such a challenging financial climate, signals real leadership and a clear commitment to improving health and reducing inequalities.

"South Lanarkshire is showing how local partners and national organisations can work together to turn evidence into practical action, delivering meaningful, measurable impact for communities."