All Babies Count

I am supporting the campaign run by the NSPCC called 'All Babies Count.' I am pleased that my colleague Jenny Marra MSP has highlighted this campaign in the Scottish Parliament. All babies need to be safe, to be nurtured and able to thrive. We must recognise that this is not always the case. Often the lifestyles of parents with substance misuse for example can have a detrimental impact on babies. Mental health issues can also be a problem for parents which impacts on babies. Domestic abuse is another factor which impacts negatively on the prospects of children.

It is important that there is a level of investment in early years which allows these problems to be dealt with. The best place for children is with their parents, however we cannot allow parents health issues, or drink or drug habits or abusive behaviour blight the life chances of babies. We must as the jargon says 'get it right for every child.' Indeed we need to make that more than jargon but make it a key aim of people like me on councils and professionals right across the country.

The video outlines the situation across the UK.

Every child deserves the best start in life and it is wrong that for some their life chances can be decided at an early stage. All babies should count.