21/06/04 - Longtown celebrates National Sure Start Month : Cumbria County Council

At 11.30am on Wednesday 30th June, the Longtown Mini Sure Start local programme, supported by Cumbria Sure Start, is organising a Rag Dolls Picnic to celebrate National Sure Start Month. The picnic will be at Longtown's Sure Start Centre. Children and parents in the area are invited to come along and join in the fun. Children can also take part in singing sessions organised by professional children’s singing coaches.

National Sure Start month is sponsored by Sure Start, the Government programme dedicated to delivering the best start in life for every child. The theme for this year is ‘Starting Early’ to show the benefits of early education in a child’s long-term development. Cumbria Sure Start is responsible for delivering the Sure Start agenda in the county.

County Councillor Joan Stocker, Cabinet Spokesperson for Education says

"National Sure Start Month goes from strength to strength each year. It highlights the wide range of services and support already available for children, families and communities, to make sure as many people as possible know what is available to them. Sure Start aims to improve the health and well being of families and children before and from birth, so children are ready to flourish when they go to school. I am sure that this year will be just as successful. I hope that people take the opportunity to attend the many events that have been organised across the County."

Sara Lyons of the Longtown Mini Sure Start local programme says

"Families are at the heart of our community. Together with Cumbria Sure Start, the Longtown Mini Sure Start programme is providing vital support to both parents and children to ensure the best start for all children in terms of their health, education and social well-being. We are inviting everyone in the Longtown community to join us for this fun day and to celebrate the role of families in giving their children a good start in life."

To find out more about what’s happening in your area for Sure Start Month contact Children’s Information Services on 08457 125 737 or visit the National Sure Start Month website and view the events diary in Cumbria.