Meet the Best Start in Life programme team

Hi, I'm Abbie 🐶🥰

I am a Midwife by trade and had the honour of caring for expectant parents and babies in Bradford for around a decade. This is what really drives my passion for improving outcomes for the families of Bradford.

I joined the Family Hubs Start for Life programme team in April 2024, and was part of the Start for Life Steering Group since the very beginning in my previous role as Best 1001 Days programme lead for Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership.

I am a parent of 4 (5 if you include my dog Tina!) and no stranger to the challenges that family life can bring. I have lived through various iterations of family support provision over the years, both personally and professionally, so I know first-hand the difference that having the right services available at the right time can make.

Being the Service Manager for Best Start in Life is a big responsibility and a true privilege, as it brings the opportunity to really make a difference – and I am lucky to work with an incredible team and colleagues across the district who make up our fantastic partnership #TeamBradford!

Hi, I'm Emma 💙💛

I manage the FYI service, the digital home of Best Start in Life, as well as leading on the 'Publishing the Offer' strand of the programme. I have been part of the team from the beginning, and it has been truly rewarding to be a part of a team that makes a positive difference in the lives of families across our district. I've worked at Bradford Council/Bradford Children and Families Trust for coming up to 30 years! I've always been dedicated to helping others, and my roles have always been in a Customer Service environment and/or working with families. I’m passionate about ensuring that all families in the district have access to the fantastic resources and services that are available to them. 

I’m a proud mum of two and appreciate the highs and lows that family life can bring. This personal experience drives my dedication to the work I do, as I truly understand the importance of having the right support at the right time. Outside of work, I enjoy staying active to offset my love of box sets and for my sins I'm a huge fan of Leeds United.

Hi, I'm Josephine 😊

I’m Josephine Graham, marketing and communications officer for the Best Start in Life programme. I support the programme in a range of ways, to help Bradford District’s families, partnership organisations and workforces understand more about the Best Start in Life programme, and the amazing free support and services available for parents, carers, and their babies and children.  

My work is varied, from working with management on messages and strategies, to supporting the Family Hubs with direct marketing materials to engage families. My remit includes writing and sending our programme’s monthly e-newsletter, which you can sign up for here: Programme newsletters.  I also manage the FYI website’s Facebook page, which you can follow here: FYI Facebook.

I have worked at Bradford Council and Bradford Children and Families Trust since 2009, moving to support this programme in 2023, and I am a member of the CIPR (Chartered Institute of Public Relations).

Hi, I'm Arlie 🧗‍♀️🤝

I'm the Systems Workforce Development Lead for Best Start in Life and proud to be the newest member of the team after joining last September. I support the Best Start in Life workforce to feel better connected and well-equipped to make a positive impact in their work with children and families.

My role is quite dynamic, involving collaboration across a range of projects to strengthen partnerships between Family Hubs, Health, VCS and other community-based organisations. Best Start in Life is all about collaboration and partnership working, and I love helping to drive that vision forward.

Transitioning into this role has been fulfilling, especially after my background working in the VCS, focusing on mental health and suicide prevention. The work I do now feels even more rewarding, because it’s all about giving children the best possible start in life and preventing challenges before they arise.

In my spare time, you’ll find me outside! My biggest passion outside of work is rock climbing. I climb most evenings and weekends, and I’m currently training to become a Rock Climbing Instructor and Mountain Leader.

Hi, I'm Adam 😎🏊‍♂️

I'm here to look after the fyi website and keep it up-to-date. I'm looking forward to expanding the site with more functionality in future to become a true one-stop information advice and guidance hub for families and young people.

I also publish the family hub timetables each month and update the What's On guide.

You'll also occasionally find me helping out at family hub events.

In my spare time, I like to swim, gym, walk and get involved with techie hobbies!