Better Start Bradford

Better Start Bradford is a 10-year programme (2015-2025) funded by The National Lottery Community Fund to help children in Bowling and Barkerend, Bradford Moor and Little Horton get the best start in life. We have provided more than 22 projects for pregnant women and families with children aged under four. The projects will help to improve children’s social and emotional development, communication and language development and nutrition. The Better Start Bradford programme is now in its 10th year (from 1 April 2024) and is planning for sustainability of its services and the securing of the Better Start Bradford legacy. An extension to 31 December 2025 has recently been approved by the funder. Better Start Bradford is part of the ten-year (2015-2025), £215 million A Better Start programme (ABS) funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK. There are five ABS partnerships based in Blackpool, Bradford, Lambeth, Nottingham and Southend, all supporting families to give their babies and very young children the best possible start in life. Working with local parents, the partnerships have developed and tested ways to improve children’s diet and nutrition, social and emotional development, and speech, language and communication. The work of the ABS programme is grounded in scientific evidence and research.