A GOVERNMENT scheme worth £5m has got off to a flying start after parents have stepped forward to become involved.

The Sure Start initiative sent some of its representatives to community centres in Dines Green and Tolladine for feedback on how to improve the areas.

Parents living in Worcester's Sure Start areas of Dines Green, Tolladine, and Brickfields are being consulted on how best to use the funds.

So far, a number of parents have expressed interest in becoming involved in the Sure Start Management Board which consists of representatives from health, community, social services, and local authorities.

"There are about 40 people who are interested in getting involved in the management board," said Ian Craigan, assistant community development manager for Worcester City Council.

"They have left their details with us so we can keep in contact with them.

"We are hoping to set up parent groups in the near future so that people can get together and talk about what is going to happen it their local community".

Development

Sure Start will be working with parents-to-be and the parents of children under the age of four to better the community, help improve children's social and emotional development, health and children's learning ability.

Some of the places Sure Start recently visited include Dines Green Parent and Toddlers, The Green Centre, Gresham Road, Dines Green and Tolladine Community Centre, Rose Avenue where family portraits were taken.

While photos were taken Sure Start representatives held interviews with parents on how they felt they could improve their community.

"At the moment I'm collating information from the sessions," said Mr Craigan.

"There is a lot of information to digest and we have to get through it and analyse it."

Sure Start aims to get a better understanding of health and children through using GPs, health visitors and community health workers as a point of contact for parents.

"Soon we are hoping to talk to health, education, social services and community services," added Mr Craigan.

"We've spoken to parents who are the people receiving the services.

"Now we need to consult the professional organisations because they are the ones to deliver."