Flashlight Films Joins with Sure Start Celebrations in West Northumberland

The DVD begins with an introduction about the beginnings of Sure Start nationally and how it has developed in West Northumberland. Parents can then choose from a range of short films that will answer many of their questions, show them what goes on and hopefully encourage them to become involved with their local Children's Centre provision.

The film has been produced by Haltwhistle based Flashlight Films, a father and son business run by Ian and Matthew Brown (pictured below). They can be contacted at flashlight films@aol.com

Ian Brown said: "From the start of filming it was clear that we were among so many dedicated people who were working really hard to provide services that help to give babies and young children get the best start in life, it was essential that we got it right. My education background helped draw a structure together for the DVD and Matthew used his creative editing skills to the full to make the final product something really special.

Jackie McCormick, locality manager for the West area, said: "This is an exciting time for Sure Start provision in West Northumberland. In this final stage of development the service has gone universal, this means everybody can access the services. For us in this deeply rural area we have chosen to spend the grant on more mobile and web based provision. With 975 square miles to cover we needed to think of other innovative ways to get the message out but we are used to doing that, using fire stations and even the Ministry of Defence. We are also proud to say that wherever possible we have used local businesses and groups to help us to do this, such as Flashlight Films and the Hexham Photographic Society."

The introduction of the Play Vans is designed to further improve the outreach services that can be delivered to the far corners of this region. These mobile resource centres are packed with specialist equipment and materials enabling staff to more effectively support the most isolated communities.

Each multi-purpose vehicle contains toys, books and play equipment as well as internet access. Once stationary, ramps can be fitted to the vans to make them fully accessible. They also feature retractable awnings and sliding doors and can be used as a base for play sessions for children as well as information points for parents and carers.

Jonathan Brown, senior learning and development adviser for Northumberland County Council, said: "This is the final part of the jigsaw in Northumberland. We are now able to deliver a universal service for all families across the county. For those children who are unable to get to a children's centre we can take the children's centre to them."

Councillor Lesley Rickerby, executive member for children's services, said: "This service first operated in Berwick and due to its success and popularity we decided to use our government grant to extend it across the county. I think the bright colours and the eye catching design of the vans will appeal to both children and adults and I'm sure they will provide a much needed service to families in Northumberland."

The Hexham photographic Society have helped Sure Start West put together six information banners, again for use at outreach bases and events such as summer fetes, carnivals and the 'Picnic in the Park' on the Sele, which last year attracted more than 1,000 children all aged up to five-years-old.

Further details about Sure Start provision can be found at www.westchildrenscentres.org.uk or telephone 01434 604837