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The Gwent Best Start in Life Joint Strategic Needs Assessment

Every Child deserves the best life – but this isn’t the reality for all. 

A child’s journey starts long before birth. But too many babies and young children across Gwent face challenges that hold them back from the very beginning. The early years (preconception to age 4) shape lifelong health, development, and opportunity. If we don’t act early, inequalities grow and the impact is lasting. 

To support Gwent in their plans to give every child the very best start we are pleased to share the new Best Start in Life Joint Strategic Needs Assessment for Gwent. 

 

What is the Best Start in Life Joint Strategic Needs Assessment? 

Amplifying the voices of babies, young children and families, the Best Start in Life Joint Strategic Needs Assessment brings together data, evidence, and lived experience to understand what families need and how we can collaboratively respond - emphasising the importance of taking a life course approach. 

 

What does it do? 

Shaped by input from professionals and families across Gwent, this Needs Assessment: 

  • Maps strengths and challenges from preconception to age 4 

  • Highlights where support is most needed 

  • Identifies what’s working and where to improve 

  • Sets out 17 evidence-informed recommendations to guide action