We are incredibly grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund and the players of the National Lottery for their continued commitment to supporting families across Kirklees. Their generosity enables us to deliver vital services and create lasting change for children and parents in our community.
Thanks to the players of the National Lottery we have received funding for our Dad Matters, Young Parents and Growing Together projects.
Growing Together: Through Growing Together, Home-Start Kirklees works to achieve transformative and lasting positive change for children and their families. The project supports young children (0–5) living in some of the most disadvantaged areas of Kirklees to develop strong social and emotional skills, build connections with peers and trusted adults, and develop a sense of belonging within their communities. Recognising the vital link between parent wellbeing and child development, the project focuses on strengthening the parent–child relationship. Parents are supported to gain the knowledge, tools and confidence to create a positive, low-stress and nurturing home environment where their children can thrive and reach their full potential.
Dad Matters: Through the National Lottery Partnerships grant, we are proud to be the lead partner in the Active Fatherhood (Dad Matters) project, which places dads at the heart of support for families. This project is shaped around the specific needs of fathers, drawing on both professional expertise and lived experience. Through this work, dads and their families improve their health literacy and are better equipped to make informed, positive choices, helping to reduce health inequalities. Fathers develop confidence, feel part of a supportive community, and play an active role in creating safe, stable home environments. The project also raises awareness of key messages around infant safety, reduces the risk of trauma (ACEs), and supports the development of strong, secure attachments between fathers and their children.
Young Parents: Funding from the National Lottery’s Awards for All programme enables us to provide targeted outreach to young parents aged 14–24. This support allows us to build meaningful, trusting relationships with young parents, helping them to access the right support at the right time. By engaging parents early, we can provide ongoing guidance and practical help, empowering them to build confidence and create positive futures for themselves and their children.
