MLA says Ballymena SureStart is changing lives after visit

A North Antrim MLA has highlighted the vital role of an early years service in Ballymena after seeing first-hand how it is supporting young children and families across the area.

Visit shines light on frontline support for families

Jon Burrows visited Ballymena and Little Steps Antrim SureStart on the Doury Road, where he met staff, parents and children and observed a range of programmes currently being delivered on the ground.

The service, operated by Action for Children, works across Ballymena and Antrim to provide early years support aimed at giving children the strongest possible start in life.

Wide-ranging services from birth to early childhood

SureStart services are designed to support children from birth through their early developmental years, offering a combination of health support, early learning opportunities, and social and emotional development.

The programme operates as a wraparound service, working with families both in group settings and through direct support, ensuring help is accessible in ways that suit individual needs.

First-hand insight into programmes in action

During his visit, Mr Burrows engaged directly with families and staff and observed sessions including early years development activities and baby reflexology.

The visit provided a clear picture of how services are being delivered in real time and the level of engagement from families benefiting locally.

MLA highlights ‘real difference’ in local community

Speaking following the visit, Mr Burrows said:

“It was great to be out visiting the team at Ballymena and Little Steps Antrim SureStart on the Doury Road.

“I want to place on record my sincere thanks to Action for Children and all the dedicated staff delivering this vital service across Ballymena and Antrim. It was genuinely inspiring to see first-hand the real difference being made in the lives of local children and families.

“SureStart services, play a crucial role in giving our youngest children the best possible start in life. From health support and early learning to social and emotional development, this is a truly wraparound service that meets families where they are.”

Action for Children staff (L-R) Rosie Moore, Lorna Ballard and Franci Simpson with Jon Burrows MLA

The local MLA continued:

“I particularly valued the opportunity to meet parents and children, and to see programmes in action - from early years development sessions to baby reflexology. The warmth, care and professionalism shown by the team was clear to see.

“It was also important to hear directly about the challenges facing families locally, and to discuss how policy can better support services like this going forward.

“A special thank you to manager Rosie Moore and her team for the warm welcome and for the outstanding work they continue to deliver in our community.”

Policy focus and ongoing challenges

The visit also created space for discussion around the pressures facing families in the local area and the need for continued policy support to sustain and strengthen early intervention services.

Engagement between frontline providers and policymakers is seen as a key part of ensuring services remain responsive to the needs of communities across Ballymena and Antrim.

Early intervention remains central to long-term outcomes

Services such as SureStart continue to play a significant role in shaping long-term outcomes for children by addressing development, wellbeing and family support at the earliest possible stage.

The visit underlines the importance of maintaining investment and support for programmes that directly impact young families and help build stronger communities locally.