Kent consultation launched on supporting parents and infants

Kent County Council is calling on parents, carers and community groups to comment on its plan for early years

A consultation is under way in Kent on strategies to support infants, parents and families during pregnancy.

Kent County Council's five-year plan for early years aims to "nurture positive mental health and build strong parent-infant relationships".

Parents, carers and community groups are among those being urged to comment on plans to "help make sure every baby has the best start in life".

The strategy aims to reduce barriers to breastfeeding, including in public.

The consultation follows the recent creation by Kent County Council of a helpline and text service to support expecting, or new parents and carers, who may be struggling with their mental health.

Grants were also made available to help businesses and organisations make their premises more breastfeeding friendly for customers and to support firms and groups working with families.

Dr Anjan Ghosh, Kent County Council director of public health, said: "The benefits of a baby receiving good care are almost too endless to name.

"All services, sectors, professionals, and volunteers must work together to provide families with wrap-around care."

The consultation runs until 3 April.