NI Secretary Hilary Benn champions early intervention in Derry visit

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland recently met local children and families during a recent whistlestop visit to Derry.

The Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, visited Action for Children, which operates a range of services from its Ebrington Square base - including Waterside Sure Start, early intervention and family support programmes.

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The NI secretary said he was ‘delighted to meet the staff, parents and children at Action for Children, and to hear about the invaluable services they provide to the community in Derry-Londonderry’. He spent time speaking with a number of parents and their babies and toddlers as they enjoyed sensory playtime and a visit from the Easter bunny! He also met with staff and members of the charity’s local Parents’ Forum.

Lorna Ballard, National Director at Action for Children in Northern Ireland, said: “We were delighted to welcome the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP.

Secretary of State Hilary Ben meeting local families during his visit to Ebrington

“With four services under one roof, Action for Children in Ebrington provides wraparound support for thousands of local babies, children, young people and their families every year. This visit from the Secretary of State for NI was a wonderful opportunity for our staff to showcase their valuable work, particularly focusing on the importance of Early Years and Early Intervention.

“Families spoke about how early years services, such as Waterside Sure Start, have helped their children develop social and emotional skills and highlighted some of the challenges facing families across Northern Ireland.”

Secretary of State Hilary Ben meeting local families during his visit to Ebrington