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