Meet the 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 programme team in April 2024, and have been a 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 Project Manager for Family Hubs Start for 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 Janette 😊

I am the Practice Lead for the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme.

I have worked for Children’s Services for over 17 years in various roles across the district working in Family Support, Parenting and as the Children’s Centre Manager at both Farcliffe and Woodside Children’s Centre’s. 

My passion has always been in early help, ensuring families receive the right support at the right time.

In March 2023 I joined the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme as Practice Lead where I oversee commissioned services, quality assure and monitor performance.  The funding has increased services available for families across the district and capital funding has been used to create warm and welcoming spaces for families.  With funding continuing until 2026 we will continue to work collaboratively with partner agencies and families, gather data, case studies and impact measures which show the difference the programme is making on the lives of parents, carers, and their children across Bradford.

Hi, I'm Laura 🤗

I am the Development Officer for Family Hub Start for Life.

Prior to starting in this role, I was a primary school teacher in Bradford for eleven years and was fortunate enough to nurture and support young people and their families. Teaching opened my eyes to the experiences and disadvantages many families face. It quickly became my passion to support families and to improve outcomes for all.

I joined the programme team in August 2023 and have thoroughly enjoyed my journey so far on a new career path. Along the way, I have developed strong relationships with colleagues from a range of other services and feel my knowledge of what support is available for our families has strengthened greatly. One of my favourite parts of my role is being able to attend events and speaking with our families, their voices are incredibly powerful.

I am currently a mum to a fearless four-year-old and expecting our second baby this summer. I appreciate that being a parent can be the best time of your life but can also be the most challenging which is another reason I am passionate about ensuring everyone knows what support is available and how to access it.

The future for Family Hubs Start for Life is exciting and I can’t wait to continue our journey to making a difference for our families.

Hi, I'm Emma 💙💛

I manage the FYI service, the digital home of Family Hubs and Start for 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 here at Bradford Council 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 Family Hubs and Start for 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 Family Hubs and Start for 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: Family Hub Start for Life newsletter.  I also manage the FYI website’s Facebook page, which you can follow here: FYI Facebook.

I have worked at Bradford Council 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 Start for Life and proud to be the newest member of the team after joining last September. I support the Family Hubs and Start for 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. Start for Lifeis 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 techy hobbies!