ACTION for Children, the children’s charity that runs Devon’s early help targeted service for families with children aged eight and under, welcomed Central Devon MP and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride to Hatherleigh Community Centre on Friday, October 6.

Karen Pearce, Action for Children’s service lead for the West Devon part of the Central Devon constituency, briefed Mr Stride on the work it does to promote safe and happy childhoods, providing practical and emotional care and support to local families.

This could be support at any stage in a child or young person’s life.

Some are more likely to need this support than others, such as:

• Children in or leaving care

• Children with disabilities

• Young parents

• Families facing abuse and conflict

• Low-income families.

Karen explained: “It was great to meet Mel and discuss some of the ways we help families in Hatherleigh and across his constituency.

“In close partnership with the council over many years, we have reached thousands of families in the area and across the county as demand for our services has remained high.”

Mel added: “Karen and her team do a brilliant job supporting local families with both practical advice and emotional support.

“I would strongly encourage anyone who thinks they could benefit from their help to reach out.”

Action for Children runs 426 services across the UK, and helped more than 765,000 children, young people and families last year.

For more information visit: actionforchildren.org.uk .