A FIVE-year plan aimed at giving children and young people a good start in life has been approved by Herefordshire Council and its key partners.

The plan has been devised by the Children and Young People’s Partnership, with the help of children and young people from across the county.

The partnership is led by Herefordshire Council and includes NHS Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, West Mercia Police and other agencies that work closely with children, young people and their families.

Local children and young people told the partnership what was important to them, which included being part of the community, being healthy, being safe and being amazing!

The new plan offers guidance on how partners can work better together to deliver improved outcomes for children, young people and their families by providing the right support in the right place at the right time.

Cllr Felicity Norman, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “This plan is incredibly important because it paves the way for how the partners work with and support Herefordshire’s children and young people for the next 5 years.

"By working in partnership we can help to protect children and raise their aspirations by enhancing opportunities into higher education, training and employment, providing them with strong foundations as they grow up and preparing them for adulthood.”

Superintendent Sue Thomas, Policing Commander for Herefordshire, said: “This plan continues the excellent work done by partners in the county to focus on children and young people to ensure they are safe and allowed to enjoy life now and in the future.

"We are committed to working together and, importantly, listening to the children and young people who can help us significantly in what we can achieve on their behalf.”

To view or download a copy of the Children and Young People’s Plan visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk/CYPpartnership