The School of Health and Social Care has set up a research partnership with A Better Start Southend (ABSS).
This comprises an inter-disciplinary research team that will undertake all research and evaluation activities for ABSS. ABSS is part of a ten-year test-and-learn programme aiming at transforming ways of thinking about services for very young children.
The programme is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund (£40m) and is working with a number of strategic partners in the region including Southend Borough Council, Southend Police and Southend NHS Trust.
An important aspect of the ABSS programme is to conduct research, evaluate service delivery, and generate knowledge that will positively impact on the lives of families in deprived areas across Southend.