Building Brains: an evaluation from Together for Childhood, Grimsby

An evaluation from Together for Childhood, Grimsby

Publication date April 2025

This report is an evaluation of the Building Brains Together for Childhood (BBTfC) programme, part of the NSPCC’s Together for Childhood (TfC) initiative in Grimsby.

TfC is a place-based approach that seeks to prevent abuse and make communities safer for children and their families. BBTfC aims to make the science of infant brain development more accessible and also highlight the impact of healthy and happy baby brain development.

The research was conducted with 20 parents and carers who took part in qualitative and quantitative questionnaires and completed one-to-one qualitative interviews. Additionally, three TfC practitioners participated via diary entries and a series of reflective focus groups.

Authors: Ava Hodson, Brittany Timms and Dr Thea Shahrokh

Building Brains Together for Childhood: an evaluation from Together for Childhood, Grimsby
Download the report (PDF)

Key findings

Overall the evaluation demonstrated Building Brains Together for Childhood (BBTfC) had a positive impact for families in Grimsby. The research also highlighted several key considerations for practitioners and stakeholders interested in delivering similar initiatives.

Four key factors enabled effective implementation of the Building Brains Together for Childhood programme

Being adaptable to community needs.
Conducting collaborative implementation.
Practitioner confidence in delivering the programme.
Upholding a trauma sensitive approach.

Parents and carers gained improved knowledge of child brain development

By the end of the programme, all parents and carers reported an increased knowledge of the impact of healthy and happy baby brain development.. Parents and carers found the science-backed explanations valuable and shared their learning with their friends and family. Activities done through the programme encouraged better relationships with their child.

Parents and carers had an improved understanding of support available to them

The programme increased parents’ and carers’ awareness of and confidence in accessing local and national resources, such as financial support and community groups.

Parents and carers felt empowered by the Building Brains Together group

The programme empowered parents and carers to support both their children and themselves. Parents felt reassured and supported by the TfC practitioners and reported that the programme provided a sense of identity and belonging. This enabled parents to relax, connect, and share their experiences.

Recommendations 

We have made some recommendations based on the findings to improve and strengthen the Building Brains Together for Childhood (BBTfC) programme.

Programme expansion

Extending the programme’s duration, as well as broadening its focus, to include additional age groups (for example 3–5-year-olds) and the perinatal stage. 

Resource development

Developing resources in multiple formats (for example, physical, online, email) to cater for diverse accessibility needs. Financial constraints should be considered when providing this.   

Improved advertising and accessibility

Expanding advertising beyond social media, using health visitors and baby weigh-ins to increase the reach of the programme. 

Strengthened collaboration with family hubs 

Enhancing relationships and information-sharing with family hubs to gain insight into parents’ needs before sessions, so any changes can take place before sessions if possible.  

“The stress [metaphor] really stands out. Now when I know I am feeling overloaded I am more mindful of it, and how it affects [my baby]. I make sure to chat to my partner and tell him how I am feeling. It’s not something that mums should feel guilty for."

Parent

Citation

Please cite as: Hodson, A. et al (2025) Building Brains Together for Childhood: an evaluation from Together for Childhood, Grimsby. London: NSPCC.

Building Brains resources

Featured

Trauma and child brain development training

Explore the science behind child brain development through practical exercises, case studies, examples and more.

Book now

Featured

Childhood trauma and brain development

Gain an insight into how trauma such as abuse and neglect can affect a child’s brain development and how to overcome adverse childhood experiences.

Featured

Early years resources for parents and carers

A set of resources to help parents interact with their baby, boosting child development and setting up positive behaviour as their child grows.

Get the resources

Together for Childhood

Featured

Understanding early pregnancy support: Together for Childhood research report

Findings from a series of interviews with new and expectant parents living in the Govan community of Glasgow about their experiences of early pregnancy support in Scotland.

Featured

Together for Childhood

Learn more about Together for Childhood, an innovative, evidence-informed approach to bring local partners and families together to prevent abuse.

Featured

Together for Childhood: building stronger communities and preventing abuse

Research to help understand the impact of Together for Childhood, a long-term approach bringing together families and local partners to make communities safer for children.

See the key findings