A £59.2 million programme to improve early support for families has been launched in Northern Ireland.

Together for Families is a partnership between the National Lottery Community Fund, the Department of Health, health and social care trusts, and voluntary and community organisations.

The aim is to make it easier for families to access practical, coordinated support earlier and closer to home.

The investment includes £30 million from the National Lottery Community Fund and £29.2 million from the Northern Ireland Public Sector Transformation Fund, which is provided by the UK Government.

This is the largest single investment the National Lottery Community Fund has made in Northern Ireland.

At the launch event in Belfast, First Minister Michelle O'Neill said the programme reflects a commitment to improving lives and giving every child the best start.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said the project is designed to support families before they reach crisis point.

Health Minister Robbie Butler said children's services are under increasing pressure and the funding provides an opportunity to keep families together.

The programme will strengthen 29 existing family support hubs across Northern Ireland.

It will also introduce 15 enhanced family support services, with three in each health and social care trust area.

These services will provide targeted support for families who need help but do not meet the threshold for statutory social care intervention.

Additional investment will go to intensive family support services delivered by health trusts, to help children at risk of coming into care or support their safe return home.

Applications have opened for voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations to deliver the enhanced services.

The programme includes a new children and families charter called 'Our Pact', designed with input from children, young people, parents and carers to give them a voice in decisions.

The launch comes as the number of children in care in Northern Ireland reached 4,188 in March 2025, with admissions up 24% since 2020/21.

If nothing changes, the looked-after population is projected to grow by as much as 18% by 2029.