A NEW community initiative aimed at promoting the development of youngsters in Parr is being offically launched next Monday (November 20).

Sure Start Parr will be based out of Broad Oak Primary School in Brunswick Street and will be providing back-up support for parents and children to promote the physical, intellectual and social development of pre-school children, particularly those who are disadvantaged, to give them the opportunity to thrive when they start school.

The £2.39 million programme also aims to improve the health and wellbeing of families and children, both before and from birth and is in partnership with Ashtons Green Clinic.

Programme manager, Ruth Passman said: "Sure Start Parr is a huge project for the Parr area and covers 3,000 homes in Ashtons Green, Cherry Tree, Cement City and Derbyshire Hill. Our overall aim is to make parenting support and useful information made available for all parents and we are looking towards achieving a 10 per cent reduction in the number of children re-registered on a child protection register."

The programme will comprise both a home visiting service and various learning and education groups covering psychology, speech and language therapy and parenting skills.

Sure Start Parr Launch Week takes place between Monday, November 20 and Friday, November 24 and a number of activities are being held around the area. Family fun events include dance, play, face painting and baby massage which will take place at Derbyshire Hill Youth and Community Centre from 1.30 to 3.30pm on Tuesday, November 21 and Derbyshire Hill Family Centre from 10am to 12pm on Thursday, November 23.

There are also a number of Community Outreach events throughout the week. To learn more about these or the work of Sure Start Parr, contact (01744) 614340.