Have Your Say: Help Shape Families First Support in East Riding

Families First is a national programme designed to improve the way children, young people and families are supported. It focuses on earlier help, stronger partnership working, family-led support, and making sure families can access the right help at the right time. The programme includes reforms around Family Help, multi-agency child protection, family group decision-making and support for family networks.

In East Riding, partners are working together through the Families First Partnership to improve support for children, young people and families locally. As part of this work, the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector is being invited to share its views and help shape what this support should look like.

Why the VCSE sector’s voice matters

The VCSE sector plays a vital role in supporting families across East Riding. Local charities, community groups, social enterprises, youth organisations, faith groups and grassroots services are often trusted by families and deeply connected to the communities they serve.

VCSE organisations can bring valuable insight into:

• the real challenges families are facing;
• where support is working well;
• where there are gaps or barriers;
• how services can be more accessible and inclusive;
• what early help should look like in local communities.

Being involved in shaping Families First is an important opportunity to make sure the new approach reflects the needs of families and the knowledge of organisations already working alongside them. Strong VCSE involvement can help create a more joined-up, preventative and community-focused system of support.

VCSE Co-Design Events

Organisations are invited to attend one of the upcoming VCSE Co-Design Events:

Monday 1 June 2026

1.00pm to 2.30pm

Online via Microsoft Teams

Friday 5 June 2026

10.00am to 11.30am

Cherry Tree Youth Hub, Burden Close, Beverley, HU17 9LD

To book a place, email ffpp@eastriding.gov.uk and include which session you would like to attend.

Please share this opportunity with colleagues, networks and organisations who work with or support families across East Riding.