This bold initiative sets out to “start where problems first become apparent” and aims to break the well recognised, but rarely tackled, cycle of deprivation. “Thriving Families” plans to give early intervention to families with multiple and complex needs.

 The Manx Lottery Trust, as delegated partner of Big Lottery Fund UK, has awarded extended term funding, over a 30 month period, for this early intervention project which aims to demonstrate that investing early into vulnerable families will have measurable future benefits, both social and economic.

Marlene Hendy, Chairman, MLT says: “At the time the opportunity for extended term funding was announced, our wish was to encourage providers to take up the challenge to start to make a difference. The Thriving Families project aims to do just that”.

John Knight, Chief Executive, The Children’s Centre, says:  “Thriving Families will be a demonstration project, in that it will be constantly and consistently evaluated by The Children’s Centre, as well as being independently evaluated by an academic, rigorous outcomes analysis. Proving its effectiveness will help us to influence potential funders to support an expansion of the programme”.

 John Knight, Chief Executive, The Children's centre with Marlene Hendy,Chairman, MLT discussing the Thriving Families project.