A new team of highly qualified specialist nurses have been recruited to deliver an innovative programme to support young families across the county.

Young and vulnerable mothers will be given targeted support in Wiltshire through a pioneering programme which helps support the health and wellbeing of first-time teenage mums and their babies.

The Family Nurse Partnership (FNP) Programme supports young women aged 19 or under who are expecting their first baby early in pregnancy until their child is two years old.  The voluntary programme provides on-going intensive, structured support from specialist nurses who work with mums to ensure they get the right health and emotional support for themselves and their baby.

The evidence based programme works by identifying young mothers-to-be who could benefit at an early stage. A dedicated family nurse will use the programme methods and materials to work with mothers, as well as their partners and other family members, if the mother chooses. Family nurses support them to have a healthy pregnancy, prepare for labour, support their baby to learn and grow as well as to plan their own life goals.

Julie Hughes, Head of Public Health, for the Bath, Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire Area Team (NHS England) said: “NHS England is delighted to be working with Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on this innovative programme.

“The future outcomes for both children and adults are strongly influenced by factors in pregnancy and first years of life, and this exciting programme offers some of the most vulnerable babies and young parents a better chance in life.

“It is a tried and tested programme and it will make a real difference to young mothers.”

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust who will deliver the programme in Wiltshire has already recruited the team of experienced nurses.

Gill Evans, the newly appointed supervisor for the Wiltshire Family Nurse Partnership team, employed by Great Western Hospitals Trust, said: “I was delighted to be appointed to this role. The Family Nurse Partnership has already been hugely successful in the US and other parts of the UK so I am confident that Wiltshire’s young parents and their babies will also benefit from this programme.

“This is a really practical programme. A dedicated nurse will use the programme methods and materials to work with mothers, as well as their partners and other family members, if they so choose.

“And we have a really great team of enthusiastic and highly experienced nurses here in Wiltshire who can’t wait to meet the families they will be working with. “

The Family Nurse Partnership programme also offers benefits for close working across the community midwifery and health visiting professions and experience gained in developing better relationships with families through this the programme, will help improve the way they are also supported by wider services.