Most councils are attempting to save money by making huge cuts to the children's services they provide. But these severe cuts will have severe consequences for children and parents in this and future generations.

 By closing Sure Start Centres, One O'Clock Clubs, SALT, disabled facilities - not to mention local libraries and other family support services - many kids will not have the chance to play in stimulating, safe environments, and to mix with other children from all walks of life. Their parents will miss out on vital support in terms of their kids' physical and emotional development. And a whole generation will find it harder to gain access to the education and achievements they rightly deserve. It's been widely recognised for some time that support and intervention in the early years of a child's life has a huge impact. It could be the difference between a child getting on at school or turning to drugs; overcoming a disability and becoming a full member of society as opposed to sitting on the sidelines and relying on benefits; or a happy home environment as opposed to one where mum and dad feel depressed and out of control. 

Think about the goals of this government. To secure a healthy economic future and an end to 'benefit culture'. And think about what these cuts to children's services will achieve. Think about the impact on your children, and children you know. It is precisely because it makes zero economic, and social, sense that we need your help in getting central government to take responsibility and protect children's services. 

louise@nocutsforkids.org