Community organisations from around the city came together today (Friday 17 January) to showcase the work they do for the city’s youngsters and their families as part of the HeadStart Wolverhampton programme.

The showcase, named ‘Reclaiming Our Community’ saw representatives from HeadStart’s providers in its four city areas tell stakeholders, including city councillors, about the activities and support they offer on a daily basis to improve the emotional wellbeing of young people in the city.

The event was opened by Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, and saw stakeholders watch videos, musical performances and listen to first-hand experiences from young people discussing the impact the HeadStart programme has had on their life and emotional wellbeing.

During the event there was also a presentation from three of HeadStart’s parent champions, who each gave an emotional account of the help that HeadStart have offered to them – ensuring not only their children but they themselves have a brighter future.

At the end proceedings there was a market place session where stakeholders could find out more about what activities organisations hold as part of the lottery-funded programme - as well as opportunities to meet the young people who benefit directly from them.

Councillor Reynolds said: “This event has shown first-hand the immense impact that HeadStart has had on young people and their parents across Wolverhampton. It has been fantastic to hear all of their experiences and how the programme has changed their lives for the better.

“Young people will shape the future of our city and it is vital that there are programmes like HeadStart to ensure they have the best possible start in life.”

HeadStart Wolverhampton, part of a £56 million National Lottery funded programme set-up by the National Lottery Community Fund, is designed to improve the emotional mental health and wellbeing of children and young people aged 10 to 16 by giving them the skills they need to cope with the challenges of modern life.

HeadStart Wolverhampton runs a series of specific programmes in its four key target areas: Low Hill, The Scotlands and Bushbury South; Heath Town, Park Village, Eastfield, Springfield and Old Heath; Bilston East; All Saints, Blakenhall, Parkfields and Ettingshall. Citywide help is available through the HeadStart Wolverhampton Support and Guidance Directory at http://support.headstartonline.co.uk which provides emotional mental health and wellbeing resources from different organisations, including information targeted at young people, parents and carers, and professionals.

To find out more about HeadStart, please visit www.headstartonline.co.uk, follow @headstartfm on Twitter or Instagram, or find HeadStart on Facebook at www.facebook.com/headstartfm.