Finance Minister John O’Dowd has approved £29.2 million from the Transformation Fund for the Department of Health’s “Together for Families” project.

The project will also receive £30 million in match funding from the National Lottery, bringing total investment to £59.2 million.

The funding will support family services delivered by the Department of Health in partnership with the community and voluntary sector.

Sinn Féin Newry and Armagh MLA Liz Kimmins welcomed the announcement.

Kimmins noted her prior experience as a social worker and highlighted ongoing challenges in statutory services, including staffing shortages and high caseloads.

She stated that the community and voluntary sector brings essential insight into family needs and should be treated as an equal partner in service delivery.

Kimmins said the project aims to provide support at the earliest stage to prevent children from entering state care when early intervention is possible.

She also referenced a 2023 independent review by Prof. Ray Jones, which concluded that more assistance is required to help families care for their children and that the community and voluntary sector plays a vital role.

The project will be co-led by Jacinta Linden, Chief Executive of Bolster in Newry.

Kimmins said Linden’s experience in family support work in Newry, South Armagh and South Down will help extend similar approaches across Northern Ireland.