Sure Start extended into rural areas

The government announced a £40 million extension of the
Sure Start programme to tackle children’s health in rural areas
across England.

Under the initiative up to 20,000 children in poorer areas will
receive help before 2004.

Health minister Yvette Cooper told a National Children’s Bureau
conference that the Sure Start programme would now provide mobile
playbuses and health clinics, as well as computer training for
parents, in rural areas.

“One in four children living in poverty are in rural areas. Low
income families living in these areas often face a lack of local
play facilities, transport, GP surgeries, child care or training,”
said Ms Cooper.

“Rural Sure Start is recognition that the countryside also
suffers poverty and problems of access to services.”