A major new partnership to reshape early help for children and parents across Northern Ireland has been unveiled, aiming to make support easier to reach, better co-ordinated and delivered closer to home.

Together for Families (TfF) brings together The National Lottery Community Fund, the Department of Health, Health and Social Care Trusts, and the voluntary and community sector. Backed by £59.2 million — £30 million from The National Lottery Community Fund and £29.2 million from the Northern Ireland Public Sector Transformation Fund provided by the UK Government — it is the Community Fund's largest single investment in Northern Ireland to date.

The programme was formally launched at an event in Belfast and is designed to expand access to practical early support, reduce pressure on children's services and improve outcomes for families.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "I'm really pleased to welcome Together for Families, which reflects our Programme for Government commitment to improving people's lives and giving every child the best possible start. We know that getting help early can make a real difference to children and families, providing support when they need it most and helping prevent problems from becoming more serious.

"Backed by £29.2 million from the Executive's Public Sector Transformation Fund, Together for Families will bring services together and make it easier for families to get support when they need it in their own communities.

"For me, this is what transformation is about, doing things differently where we can, working together to support parents through difficult times and making a real difference to the lives of children and families across our communities."

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: "Too many children continue to face disadvantage and challenge. This new £60m project is a truly transformative way forward, and one designed to bring about life-changing interventions.

"I want every single child in Northern Ireland to thrive, to reach their potential and to live happy and healthy lives no matter what their economic circumstance or challenges. This investment can unlock that future for so many of our young people.

"It supports families before crisis point. It will work holistically to support and it will wrap around so many families to help them to not only survive, but to truly thrive.

"It does this by working on the ground, but in a joined up way. It is an incredibly exciting collaboration between Government and the National Lottery Community Fund.

"What makes this programme particularly exciting is the way it puts families at the heart of how services work together. By breaking down the barriers between organisations and joining up support in our communities, we can give children and parents the help they need, when it can make the greatest difference."

Health Minister Robbie Butler said: "I commend and warmly welcome this significant investment provided by both the National Lottery Community Fund and the Public Sector Transformation Fund.

"At a time when children's services are under increasing pressure, this is a huge opportunity to improve the life chances of children and families across Northern Ireland, with the key aim of keeping families safely together, rather than apart. "Together for Families reflects a shared determination to work differently, bringing partners together across the system, both statutory and voluntary and community sector, with a clear focus on delivering better outcomes for children and families. We are at the start of this journey, but we can, and must, deliver for the children across Northern Ireland who need this support. I am committed to doing just that."

UK Government Minister for Northern Ireland Sarah Owen said: "We all want more for the next generation and the first few years of a child's life are the most important for their development and securing a bright future for every child, from every walk of life.

"This is why the UK Government is proud to have contributed £29.2 million to this fantastic project. Alongside £30 million from The National Lottery Community Fund, this is a huge investment for Northern Ireland.

"It is a fantastic example of how we can build an even stronger society and happier families in every neighbourhood."

Kate Beggs, Northern Ireland Director of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: "This opportunity has the potential to deliver real, meaningful change where it is needed most, transforming support for families now while strengthening the wider system for the long term. Families across Northern Ireland will be able to get the right support earlier before the challenges they face reach breaking point.

"We know from the projects we already fund, and from years of listening to local communities, that targeted early intervention can make the greatest difference. Families want support that is compassionate, accessible and relevant to their lives.

"Community organisations are best placed and understand that, because they have built relationships over many years and are often the first place people turn when they need help.

"We are proud to be working collaboratively with the Department of Health, the Health Trusts and the voluntary and community sector to deliver a step change in family support across Northern Ireland.

"Thanks to National Lottery players, we can fund life-changing work that helps families in the here and now and creates lasting improvements for the future."

The launch comes amid mounting strain on children's services: 4,188 children were in care in March 2025, admissions to care have risen by 24% since 2020/21, and the looked-after population could increase by up to 18% by 2029 if trends continue.

Together for Families will strengthen the 29 Family Support Hubs that connect families to local help, and introduce 15 new Enhanced Family Support Services — three in each Health and Social Care Trust area — offering targeted support to families who do not meet the threshold for statutory social care. Additional investment will also expand Intensive Family Support provided by Trusts for children at risk of entering care or to support safe reunification, delivered to a regionally agreed model.

The application process to deliver one or more of the 15 Enhanced Family Support Services has opened, with details on the Department of Health website. Minister Butler added: "I would encourage any voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations with extensive experience of supporting families with complex needs to consider applying for funding under this scheme, which is one of four key elements of the wider Together for Families project."

A new children and families charter, 'Our Pact', was also launched to underpin TfF, developed with children, young people, parents and carers to ensure they are heard and involved respectfully in decisions about their lives.