BRIGHTER FUTURES CONFERENCE SUCCEEDS IN RAISING EARLY INTERVENTION AWARENESS

A Jersey-based charity is calling for increased Government support following a conference that underscored the critical role of early intervention in improving family outcomes.

Brighter Futures said its recent conference successfully raised awareness of early intervention, bringing together policymakers, practitioners and families to share insights and lived experiences.

The event featured a range of keynote speakers, including its Patron Lady Kyd; Will Quince, CEO of the 1001 Critical Days Foundation; Tara Gretton, a solution-focused practitioner; Christian Guy; Robin Smith, chief officer of the States of Jersey Police; and Kevin Keen OBE, a business and charity leader.

Speakers explored themes surrounding the first 1001 critical days of a child’s life, emphasising that early intervention is a proven, preventative approach that supports families before difficulties reached crisis point. Discussions also highlighted the long-term social and economic costs of failing to invest in early support, as well as the value of small, manageable changes in improving family wellbeing.

The conference was also a springboard for Brighter Futures CEO Fiona Brennan to seek more sustainable financial support from the Government of Jersey. The charity, which has running costs more than £1 million a year currently receives 8.7% of its funding from the government. The charity provides free support to approximately 150-160 families each week, who receive free of charge 1:1 coordinator support, along with a range of courses and programmes, to help the child’s main carer to be their first and most important educator.

“Early intervention is not only effective for families but also represents a long-term investment in our community,” Fiona Brennan said. “With sustainable funding, we can plan ahead, reach more families and make a greater impact.”

Want to know more about Brighter Futures and how you can get involved in supporting families in Jersey, please contact fundraising@brighterfutures.org.je