Children and their families joined together today (Thursday 26 October) to help celebrate the launch of Moray’s new Children’s Services Plan.
The plan, Our Promise to the Children of Moray, has been developed on behalf of the Moray Community Planning Partnership by public sector agencies, third sector and community partners and sets out a shared commitment to getting it right for every family.
More than 18,000 children and young people under the age of 18 live in Moray, with some experiencing challenges to their life chances. Improvement programmes to be delivered over the next three years aim to ensure every child has the best start in life, is supported to be safe and well, and can thrive with opportunities to reach their full their potential.
Actions identified through listening to the voices and experiences of local children, young people and families will focus on early intervention and prevention and will be delivered through:
- Universal services, which are available to all children and families such as health visiting and education;
- More specialist services for families under pressure or in need of more support such as counselling for young people experiencing poor mental wellbeing
- Targeted services for the smaller number of children and young people who need extra care and protection.
Speaking at the launch event which took place in St Giles Church in Elgin, Tracy Davis, NHS Grampian Child Health Commissioner, said:
“One of the most important things reflected in our new plan is that children, young people and families are the experts in their own lives. They have helped us to develop the plan based on what they need from services and we thank them for sharing their experiences.
“We will keep listening to them to understand what is making a difference or what needs to change. In order for us to respond well in these uncertain and challenging times, it is so important that we work together, pooling our collective resources and supporting each other to make sure that Moray’s children and young people grow up loved, safe, respected and equal.”
Following the official launch, guests were invited to learn more about how the plan will be turned to action and to meet local groups and services providing support to families across Moray at an information market place.
Building on the achievements delivered under previous plans, Our Promise to the Children of Moray details how organisations will work together to deliver high quality, trauma responsive services and supports in ways that works for the children, young people and families of Moray.
There will be a focus on six improvement priorities:
- Improving outcomes for looked after and care experienced young people
- Tackling child poverty
- Supporting children and families who experience challenges due to disability/neurodiversity
- Keeping children safe
- Improving emotional and mental wellbeing
- Strengthening family support
The full Moray Children’s Services Plan 2023-26 is available on the Moray Community Planning Partnership website here or email csp@moray.gov.uk for a copy.
