The way services are delivered to children and families is under review and we want to know what you think. Derby City Council has launched a consultation to gather families’ views on the future of the Families First Partnership Programme.

The Families First Partnership Programme is the Government’s plan for changing children’s services to create a more seamless support system for families.

It aims to create a single Family Help service by integrating different agencies – such as social services, health, and police – into multi-disciplinary teams. The goal is to ensure children and families get the right support at the right time, often involving the wider family, to help keep more children safe and well-supported within their own community.

In Derby, we want to understand if families would seek help, their preferred sources of support, experiences of previous support and asks for suggestions to improve access to services. 

Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, said:

This consultation is vital. We are moving towards a system that intervenes earlier and supports families holistically, rather than waiting for crisis point.

We need the local community to tell us what works, who they trust, and what needs to change to make services for children and families genuinely effective for every Derby family.

The sort of issues families might need support with could include:

  • Concerns about behaviour / behaviour management
  • Health matters (not including medical emergencies)
  • Mental health and wellbeing
  • Risky behaviours
  • Child development
  • Education
  • Relationships
  • Wellbeing
  • Financial management

We would like to hear from as many people as possible. While we are particularly interested in hearing from those with children aged 0-18 (up to 25 for those with Special Educational Needs), we strongly encourage participation from the entire family network, including kinship carers, grandparents, foster parents, and wider family members. 

The consultation is live on the Let’s Talk Derby website and is open until midnight on Friday 20 February 2026. Responses will help shape how we implement the Families First Programme so that it genuinely works for local people..

If you would like more information or would like an alternative version of the survey, please contact Sarah Walker at FamiliesFirstPartnershipProgramme@derby.gov.uk.